Akari stuns Cignal in 5; PLDT rolls past ZUS in PVL AFC

Akari Chargers notched a statement win in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, while PLDT High Speed Hitters secured a dominant victory later that day at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, Feb. 28.

The underdogs Akari unfolded the twin bill early, outlasting the top-seeded Cignal Super Spikers via a gritty 25–23, 20–25, 11–25, 25–23, 15–12.

The victory handed Cignal its second straight loss, dropping the Super Spikers to 4–2.

Akari weathered a third-set collapse and regained control behind Ivy Lacsina’s 20 points and Fifi Sharma’s 16 to improve to a 2–3 record. 

After being overwhelmed in the third frame, the Chargers responded with sharper ball placement and more disciplined attacking in the fourth to force a decider.

In the fifth set, Sharma, Lacsina and Ishie Lalongisip powered a crucial 9–5 run before Gretchel Soltones delivered a key late hit to seal the upset.

Despite the loss, Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler paced Cignal with 23 points each.

Akari returns to action on March 7 against Capital1, while Cignal looks to bounce back against ZUS Coffee on March 5.

PLDT stays on course

PLDT kept its title campaign on track with a 25–23, 25–23, 25–13 sweep of ZUS Coffee to reclaim the league’s top spot.

Kianna Dy and Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters, scoring 16 and 17 points, respectively.

After two tight sets, PLDT broke the match open with a decisive 21–8 surge in the third, capped by a service ace from Jessy De Leon.

Jovelyn Gonzaga racked up a lone two-figure output to give life to the blue-clad squad with 10 points while Glaudine Troncoso followed behind with six markers.

The High Speed Hitters now look to sustain their momentum against the Foxies on March 5.