Akari stuns powerhouse F2 in five-set thriller; Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz sweep foes

Akari nearly squandered a 2-1 set advantage but pulled off a five-set victory against contender F2 Logistics, 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8, to kick off its campaign in the second 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat carried the load for the Chargers with a team-high 19 points while Faith Nisperos chipped in 18 markers. Rookie Fifi Sharma also shone in her PVL debut, churning out 18 markers highlighted by five blocks as Akari improved to 1-0.

The win was a big boost for Akari, which wound up eighth among nine teams during the first All-Filipino offering before finishing with a dismal 1-3 card in the Invitational Conference to bow out of contention.

Ivy Lacsina was among the bright spots for the Cargo Movers as the former NU star poured in a game-high 26 points built on 22 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace while Myla Pablo chimed in with 12 markers.

Chery Tiggo makes quick work of Farm Fresh

Chery Tiggo, a former All-Filipino champion, made easy work of a youth-laden Farm Fresh squad with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-22 win behind the sister duo of EJ and Eya Laure.

The older EJ paced the Crossovers with 14 points while also collecting nine receptions as Eya put together 13 markers. Former NU standout Cess Robles was also pivotal, finishing with 10 markers to help Chery Tiggo eke out a sweep victory.

Chery Tiggo is hoping to bounce back from tough campaigns in the past conferences. After winning it all in the 2021 Open Conference, Chery Tiggo had finished at the eighth spot thrice in 2022 Open Conference and 2022 and 2023 Invitational while they had a 4th and 5th outputs in 2022 Reinforced and first 2023 All-Filipino, respectively.

Petro Gazz hands debuting Galeries Tower a rude welcome

Petro Gazz fended off a third set rally from the debuting Galeries Tower en route to a 25-11, 26-24, 25-22 victory in its first assignment in the second All-Filipino edition this year.

The Angels banked on veteran open hitter Gretchel Soltones as she delivered the game-winning point to finish with 19 points anchored on 17 attacks, one block, and one ace.

Petro Gazz returns to action on Saturday against Gerflor while Galeries Tower takes on Chery Tiggo on Thursday with hopes to bounce back.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News