AKARI dominated Army-Black Mamba, 18-25, 19-25, 25-23, 19-25 for its first win in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
The Power Chargers rode a fine performance from veteran Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who capped a 23-point afternoon with the game-winning ace.
While Akari improved to 1-3 (win-loss), the Lady Troopers dropped to the bottom of the standings with a third straight loss - and 16th in a row dating back to the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference eliminations.
"We are grateful because we've been performing well," Akari head coach Jorge Souza de Brito said of the Power Chargers, who had not won a set until Tuesday.
"We're struggling in the beginning because the guys are really stronger than us and they played better. But we are always trying our best. I'm sure we can do more surprises like last year."
Chiara Permentilla had her breakout game for the Power Chargers and nearly registered a triple-double with her 13 points on 13 attacks to go along with 10 receptions and eight digs.
Ezra Madrigal also tallied three blocks to finish with 10 points.
Honey Royse Tubino led a fourth-set fightback that gave the Army a chance at forcing a decider, finishing with 20 points on 17 attacks, two blocks and an ace as well as 13 receptions.
Jeannette Villareal added 12 points.
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