By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Akari Power Chargers’ playoff hopes took a hit after suffering a 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20 defeat to the Cignal Super Spikers in the Pool D opener of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan City on Thursday, November 6.
Despite flashes of brilliance, the Power Chargers struggled to sustain their rhythm, especially in the crucial third and fourth sets where the Super Spikers tightened their floor defense and countered with sharp attacks.
Import Annie Mitchem tried to keep Akari afloat with 22 points, while Mereophe Sharma added 13.
However, Negrense Christine Joy Soyud managed only seven points as she was contained by Cignal’s defensive wall.
The loss dropped Akari to an even 3-3 record, halting their bid for an early quarterfinals cushion.
On the other hand, Cignal improved to 3-3 behind import Katrin Trebichavska’s stellar 25-point performance, backed by Erika Santos’ 19 and Ma. Rochelle Lalongisip’s 11.
After splitting the first two sets, the Power Chargers faltered in the next frames, allowing the Super Spikers to pull away and seal the match.
Meanwhile, the Creamline Cool Smashers shook off a sluggish opening set to defeat the Nxled Chameleons, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18, and move closer to a quarterfinal berth.
American import Courtney Schwann starred for the defending champions, turning in a triple-double performance of 14 points — all but one from attacks — along with 15 excellent receptions and 14 digs.
Michele Gumabao-Panlilio backed her up with 13 points built on nine attacks, while Jeanette Panaga chipped in 12 markers.
Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets on top of three points, and libero Kyla Atienza added 13 digs for Creamline, which improved to 4-2 to strengthen its hold of second place in the group.
After dropping the opening frame, the Cool Smashers rediscovered their rhythm and dominated the next three sets to seal the win in one hour and 42 minutes.
For Nxled, Paola Martinez top-scored with 18 points from 16 attacks, a block and an ace, while Chiara Permentilla contributed 14.
The Chameleons slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat./ASC, WDJ