Chargers inch closer to PVL semis

MANILA, Philippines — Akari showed tremendous composure late as it eked out a 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11 victory over Galeries Tower last night to inch closer to the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the PhilSports Arena.

Down a set to two, the Chargers tightened up their defense both on the floor and up front and took the final two sets to claim a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Akari is expected to go for the jugular in Game 2 set Thursday at the same Pasig venue.

A decider, if necessary, is set either March 25 at Philsports or March 27 at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

In the nightcap, Choco Mucho rode on Sisi Rondina’s brilliance as it rose from the dead to turn back PLDT, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16, and move on the brink of the semis.

The pocket rocket in Rondina came through with 31 points, most in the deciding set.

Ivy Lacsina was on a tear after unleashing a masterful 28-point effort she laced with 22 kills and six blocks that pushed Akari on the cusp of making it to the round-robin semis.

Also coming through was Eli Soyud, who scraped her way to 19 hits, including 18 off attacks.

“We had some endgame adjustments against their fast play with our defense and blocking,” said Soyud.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Highrisers, who appeared headed to pulling off another giant-sized upset when it led two sets to one.