POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato – Chenie Tagaod delivered one of her finest performances of the tournament as Akari overcame Choco Mucho in a physically demanding four-set battle, 27-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, during the PVL On Tour at the Polomolok Gymnasium on Saturday.
In a contest that lasted two hours and 18 minutes, the Chargers displayed tremendous composure and resilience, surviving two nail-biting opening sets before recovering from a third-set setback to secure an important victory. The win marked Akari’s first triumph in the tournament after falling to ZUS Coffee in its opening match nearly a month earlier.
Tagaod stood at the center of Akari’s impressive performance, finishing with a match-high 19 points, highlighted by six huge kill blocks and the decisive attack that sealed the victory.
The winning sequence perfectly summed up the Chargers’ determination. After Akari successfully dug a soft attack from Jewel Encarnacion, the ball found its way to Tagaod, who unleashed a powerful crosscourt spike that landed untouched inside the Choco Mucho court.
As soon as the ball hit the floor, Tagaod collapsed onto her back in exhaustion, a powerful image that reflected the intensity of the marathon encounter. It wasn’t an injury—it was simply the physical and emotional release after battling through nearly every point of one of the tournament’s toughest matches.
Akari Shows Grit in Extended Opening Sets
The first two sets featured relentless rallies and dramatic momentum swings as neither team was willing to surrender.
Both Akari and Choco Mucho exchanged heavy attacks, crucial blocks, and spectacular defensive saves, turning each extended set into a thrilling spectacle for the packed crowd inside the Polomolok Gymnasium.
Every point carried enormous weight as both teams traded leads late in each frame.
Despite facing multiple scoring threats from the Flying Titans, the Chargers remained composed in the biggest moments, executing timely attacks while limiting costly errors to narrowly capture both sets by identical 27-25 scores.
Those two victories proved to be the difference-maker, allowing Akari to withstand Choco Mucho’s eventual comeback attempt.
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Choco Mucho Responds Behind Madayag
Refusing to go quietly, Choco Mucho found renewed energy in the third set behind veteran middle blocker Maddie Madayag.
The experienced blocker delivered several clutch quick attacks and inspired her teammates with her emotional leadership at the net. Lorraine Pecaña also became a major factor, consistently converting quick middle plays that disrupted Akari’s defensive rhythm.
The Flying Titans built a comfortable lead and maintained control throughout most of the third frame.
Akari tried to mount a late rally after trimming the deficit through the league’s premium ball rule, but Choco Mucho kept its composure. Kamille Cal committed a costly catch-and-throw violation that halted the Chargers’ momentum before Ayesha Juegos rejected Ivy Lacsina’s attack to close out the set, 25-21.
The victory gave Choco Mucho new life heading into the fourth set.
Chargers Answer with Championship Composure
Instead of allowing the momentum to shift completely, Akari responded with authority.
The Chargers exploded to an early 8-2 advantage, fueled by aggressive serving and disciplined defense. Jamaica Villena ignited the run with a service ace, while Akari’s rotation continued producing timely contributions on both ends of the floor.
The Chargers eventually stretched the lead to 13-7, appearing ready to cruise toward victory.
However, Choco Mucho refused to surrender.
Powered by Madayag and Viray, the Flying Titans stormed back and erased the deficit, eventually tying the score at 14. They continued applying pressure and leveled the match again at 19 after Akari failed to capitalize on another premium ball opportunity.
With the pressure mounting, Ivy Lacsina delivered one of the match’s biggest plays by converting a clever two-handed dump following a Choco Mucho overpass.
That crucial point restored Akari’s confidence.
From there, the Chargers won five of the final eight points, with Tagaod delivering the finishing blow that finally ended the thrilling encounter.
Balanced Attack Lifts Akari
While Tagaod led the scoring with 19 points, Akari received valuable offensive production from several teammates.
Ivy Lacsina contributed 14 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the match.
Veteran Grethcel Soltones added 10 markers, while Faith Nisperos chipped in nine points and Jamaica Villena finished with seven, giving coach Tina Salak multiple offensive options during crucial stretches.
Although Choco Mucho actually outscored Akari in attacks, 55-47, the Chargers dominated where it mattered most—at the net.
Akari registered 17 kill blocks, including six from Tagaod, compared to Choco Mucho’s 11, giving the Chargers a decisive defensive advantage.
Flying Titans Show Promise Despite Missing Stars
Despite suffering their third consecutive defeat, Choco Mucho displayed plenty of fight while playing with a depleted roster.
The Flying Titans competed without several key players, including national team standouts Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig, and Sisi Rondina, along with regular contributors Isa Molde, Kat Tolentino, and Deanna Wong.
Even with the absences, Choco Mucho pushed Akari to the limit.
Mean Mendrez and Viray paced the Flying Titans with 16 points each, while Madayag added 14 markers and Jewel Encarnacion contributed 11, highlighting the team’s offensive depth despite the missing stars.
Their performance suggested that once the full roster returns, Choco Mucho could once again emerge as one of the league’s strongest contenders.
Volleyball Fever Hits South Cotabato
The thrilling contest also highlighted volleyball’s rapidly growing popularity in South Cotabato.
The Polomolok Gymnasium was filled to capacity long before the opening serve, while hundreds of additional fans gathered outside the venue to watch the match on a giant screen installed at the nearby plaza.
Even those unable to enter the gym remained throughout the two-hour battle, celebrating every spectacular rally and crucial point as if they were courtside.
The electric atmosphere created one of the most memorable stops of the PVL On Tour, proving once again that Philippine volleyball continues to attract passionate supporters wherever it goes.
For Akari, the victory was more than just another win in the standings. It was a statement of resilience, teamwork, and mental toughness after bouncing back from an opening-match defeat. Led by the outstanding all-around performance of Chenie Tagaod, the Chargers demonstrated they can thrive under pressure and outlast even the toughest opponents.
As the tournament continues, Akari hopes this hard-earned triumph over Choco Mucho at the Polomolok Gymnasium will serve as the turning point that ignites a successful PVL On Tour campaign.
