PVL on Tour: Akari breaks through, keeps Choco Mucho winless

MANILA, Philippines–Akari staved off a depleted but gritty Choco Mucho side, 27-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, to enter the win column of the 2026 PVL on Tour on Saturday night at Polomolok Gymnasium in South Cotabato.

Akari survived two tightly contested opening sets before Maddie Madayag played her heart out in the third to spark Choco Mucho, which was missing national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Dawn Catindig, along with Des Cheng, Deanna Wong, Dindin Manabat and Kat Tolentino.

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Madayag kept the Flying Titans alive by dominating the third set and helping keep the fourth close. Caitlin Viray scored on the Chargers’ premier ball to tie the fourth at 19 before Ivy Lacsina and Chenie Tagaod restored order for a 23-20 lead. Madayag and Jaila Atienza trimmed the deficit to one, 23-22.

Grethcel Soltones converted on her second attack attempt in the rally to bring Akari to match point, 24-22, before Tagaod sealed the victory with the final kill before later going down with cramps.

Tagaod finished with a game-high 19 points from 11 kills, six blocks, and two aces. Lacsina delivered 14 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Soltones added 10 points and 13 digs.

Faith Nisperos was also instrumental with nine points off the bench. Jamaica Villena had seven points. Kamille Cal tossed 13 excellent sets and Judith Abil anchored the defense with 12 digs as Akari played without Alas Pilipinas players Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba and Fifi Sharma, who are competing in the SEA V Cup.

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Akari, which fell to ZUS Coffee in Ilagan, Isabela last July 8, is looking to make it back-to-back as it heads to Lanao Del Norte on August 15 against PLDT.

Choco Mucho lost all three of its preseason games, including setbacks in Batangas to ZUS Coffee and to PLDT in Vigan.

Viray and Mean Mendrez had 16 points each. Madayag chipped in 14 points, while Jewel Encarnacion added 11.