Latest news with #AkariChargers
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
PVL: Akari mounts huge Set 3 comeback to complete sweep win vs. Capital1
The Akari Chargers crawled back from eight points down in the third set en route to a 25-23, 25-18, 25-23 win against Capital1 in the 2025 PVL On Tour on Tuesday at the FIlOil EcoOil Centre. The Chargers erased a 21-13 deficit in the final frame thanks to timely substitutions and endgame composure, improving to a 2-3 win-loss card while also denying the Solar Spikers (0-5) their breakthrough win. Eli Soyud paced Akari with 12 points while middle blocker Ezra Madrigal and Grethcel Soltones chipped in 11 and nine markers apiece with the latter collecting 15 digs as well. A regrouped Capital1 unleashed a hot 4-0 start in Set 3 before Rachel Austero unloaded a strong ace to make it a 21-12 cushion for the wards of Alas Women head coach Jorge de Brito. But that didn't take the fight out of Akari with Soltones powering through from the left wing before Capital1's opposite spiker Syd Niegos went wide on her back row kill, pulling the Chargers to within three at 21-18. Shola Alvarez would complete a combination play to bring life back to Capital1, 22-18. But Akari stayed composed with newly-subbed Steph Bustrillo providing the unlikely spark, knocking down the hammer from the opposite side before Soltones broke down the wall to tie things up at 22-all. Kacey Galdones brought Capital to a 23-22 cushion, but Akari answered with three straight points capped by an ace from Kamille Cal and an error from Capital 1 to complete the comeback. In the first game, Nxled had its franchise-best start after a hard-fought sweep victory over Galeries, 26-24, 25-23, 25-23. EJ Cariño was at the forefront of offense with 16 points laced with nine receptions while Jovelyn Fernandez and Chiara Permentilla chipped in 14 and 13 markers apiece as they cruised to an impressive 3-0 card. The Highrisers, meanwhile, fell to a winless 0-3 record. —JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Mars Alba joins Akari Chargers
Mars Alba has signed with the Akari Chargers. The Chargers confirmed the development on Wednesday, days after Choco Mucho announced Alba's departure from the team. "Chargers fam, can't wait to see you and sana suportahan n'yo ako with the Akari Chargers," Alba said in a video. Alba is expected to replace fellow Lasallian Michelle Cobb who has retired from competitive volleyball and is now Akari's assistant team manager. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
05-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Michelle Cobb appointed as Akari's assistant manager after retirement from volleyball
Retired volleyball player Michelle Cobb is now taking a leadership role in her club, the Akari Chargers. The team confirmed Cobb's appointment as an assistant manager on Thursday, a day after the veteran setter announced her retirement from competitive play. "We're so excited to have you continue contributing your wisdom and leadership to the team," Akari said. Cobb on Wednesday said she is "retiring with a grateful heart, proud of everything this journey has given me." As part of the Chargers, Cobb was able to guide players like Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Celine Domingo, and Ivy Lacsina and would help the franchise reach its first-ever finals appearance during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. Prior to Akari, the De La Salle University standout also played with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
02-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Tina Salak replaces Taka Minowa as Akari head coach
Tina Salak has been named as the new head coach of the Akari Chargers. Akari announced the development on Monday, a day after the team also announced that Taka Minowa has parted ways with the Chargers. "A respected name in women's volleyball, Coach Tina will be serving as head coach for the upcoming season," Akari said. "Under her steady guidance, we trust that our Chargers are in good and very capable hands. We can't wait to see what new heights our Chargers can achieve under her leadership!" Salak has been with the Akari coaching staff since 2024 and is also the head coach of the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP. Minowa, meanwhile, joined the Chargers in 2024. He steered Akari to its first runner-up finish in the 2024 Reinforced Conference, followed by a bronze medal finish in the recent All-Filipino Conference. "We have to say goodbye to this important member of our Akari family, but he will always be an important part of our journey thus far," the Chargers said in their post. "Thank you to Coach Taka for your cool yet compassionate leadership and never-ending commitment to making our talents bloom; you led our team to our best finish in PVL history, and that will always stay with us." Aside from Minowa, the team also bid farewell to Cath Almazan, Ysa Bakabak, and coaches Rodel Canino, Yuga Hayashi, and Vilet Ponce de Leon. Earlier, Capital1 also announced Jorge De Brito as its new head coach and appointed Roger Gorayeb as consultant. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
