The Akari Chargers celebrate a point against Choco Mucho in the semifinals of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, March 29, 2025 at the Ynares Center Antipolo. PVL Media

ANTIPOLO (UPDATED) – Akari was the first squad to get on board in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Semifinals.

This, as the Chargers overcame Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14, on Saturday at the Ynares Center here.

Spiker Eli Soyud took charge, listing a career-high 34 points on 27 attacks and seven blocks — the sixth-highest scoring output for a local player in the league's history.

She also tied the season-high output of Fil-foreign players Savi Davison (PLDT) and Brooke Van Sickle (Petro Gazz).

Soyud and company also ended the Flying Titans' nine-game winning run, dealing the Rebisco squad's first loss in 2025.

But for her, the semis-opening triumph was a result of a team effort.

"'Yung teammates ko kasi talagang nilaban nila, like lahat nagsasalita, nag-i-input ng info kung anong gagawin. So para sa akin, 'di pwedeng ma-waste lahat ng efforts ng bawat isa," said Soyud after the game.

The Akari hitter admitted that she got inspired after her name was added in the wishlist for Alas Pilipinas Women tryouts.

"Siyempre nagulat ako na nandu'n ako sa wishlist. No one expected na nandu'n ako," she said. "For me, isa siyang malaking motivation sa 'kin and para na rin sa team ko."

While Soyud carried most of the scoring load, it was Faith Nisperos who showed up in the clutch, helping the Chargers erase an 11-14 deficit — built on five unanswered points — coupled by errors from Regine Arocha and Sisi Rondina to secure the win.

Nisperos concluded the game with 11 points, including the game-winning crosscourt hit, while Ced Domingo — in one of her better games in an Akari jersey — collected 14 points.

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The Chargers overwhelmingly won the blocking department, tallying 16 compared to the Flying Titans' six. Soyud led with seven kill blocks, while Domingo contributed to that with three.

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Libero Justine Jazareno did her part with 25 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions, while skipper Mich Cobb steered the offense with 24 excellent sets.

Rondina paced the losing side with a team-high 29 points, with Royse Tubino adding 14 markers.

Akari goes for a crucial second win on Tuesday against Creamline, while Choco Mucho aims to bounce back against Petro Gazz.