IT all comes down to one last day of play-in action in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Nxled, Farm Fresh, Creamline, and Akari remain in the hunt for the final two semifinal spots, with sister teams PLDT and Cignal already through via the qualifying round.
Just like the earlier stages, it’s win or go home.
READ: Ahead of play-ins, defiant Pons says Creamline far from finished
All four contenders were once tagged as title threats, some now retooled and others leaning on their established cores as they fight to stay alive.
To get a sense of who holds the edge, here’s a look at how their preliminary round matchups against their play-in opponents unfolded.
FARM FRESH (4) vs. NXLED (5)
Tuesday | April 7 | 4 p.m. | Playtime Filoil Centre
Nxled needed a five-set comeback to beat Farm Fresh in what turned out to be an early grind between two new-look squads.
It was also the first real glimpse of a Chameleons side that quickly transformed into contenders after absorbing key pieces from Petro Gazz’ former championship core in the offseason.
Nxled found itself down 1-2 after a shaky third set, but leaned on the experience of Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo to steady the ship.
The three-time PVL MVP led the way with 24 points, while Pablo added 18, delivering in key stretches as the Chameleons dominated the fourth to force a decider and closed it out late.
Farm Fresh had its own standout in Trisha Tubu, who erupted for 28 points to keep her side within striking distance all match long in a performance that had everything but the win.
Now, they meet again in the play-ins with everything on the line. What started as a preview between two rising squads turns into a knockout rematch, with a coveted semifinal berth up for grabs.
CREAMLINE (3) vs. AKARI (6)
Tuesday | April 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Playtime Filoil Centre
Akari delivered a statement win over Creamline, one that signaled its rise from early struggles to a legitimate contender this conference.
The Chargers turned back the then red-hot Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21, snapping Creamline’s five-game winning streak while stretching their own run to four straight victories.
It was a composed outing from an Akari side that had started the conference 0-3, showing how quickly the group had found its rhythm under head coach Tina Salak.
Ivy Lacsina led the charge with 20 points and 17 receptions, while Eli Soyud added 15 and Grethcel Soltones chipped in 14 points and 12 receptions in a balanced attack.
Mars Alba orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets, and Justine Jazareno anchored the floor with 22 digs.
On the other side, only Jema Galanza (16) and Tots Carlos (10) reached double figures for Creamline in a rare off night for the league powerhouse.
That win not only snapped a streak but also served as a turning point for Akari, proving it could go toe-to-toe with the league’s top teams.
Now, Creamline eyes a record 20th PVL semifinals appearance, while Akari looks to secure its third Final Four berth in the last four conferences as they meet again with everything on the line.
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