Akari Breaks Creamline’s Winning Streak in a Five-Set Classic
The Philippine Volleyball League delivered another chapter of drama as the Akari Chargers turned the table on the Creamline Cool Smashers in a neck-and-neck, five-set encounter at the City of Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite. The October 11 showdown marked the first time Akari toppled Creamline in 10 meetings, sealing a 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12 victory that will long be remembered by fans and pundits alike.
Stars Step Up in a High-Stakes Return
American reinforcement Annie Mitchem shone brightest for Akari, delivering 33 points on 32 attacks to anchor the win. Her aggressive hitting was complemented by a strong all-around effort from Mars Alba, who had 21 excellent sets in her official debut for a third pro club. Alba’s quick distribution helped keep Creamline on its heels, as Akari rode a balanced attack to stretch the set-count late in the match.
Rising offense from Eli Soyud (14 points) and the twin-tower duo of Fifi Sharma (13) and Ced Domingo (12) provided reliable support. The balanced attack underlined Akari’s game plan: keep pressure on Creamline with multiple scoring options and minimize unforced errors in crunch moments.
Creamline Leaves with Lessons but No Quiet Exit
Creamline countered with a formidable trio of scorers. Courtney Schwan led the charge with 26 points on 21 attacks and five blocks, while returning three-time MVP Tots Carlos contributed 12 points after a six-month layoff. The absence of former MVP Jema Galanza opened opportunities, and Alyssa Valdez stepped forward with a near-triple-double effort—18 points on 15 attacks, two aces, and one block, plus 11 receptions and 9 digs. Despite the star power, the last two sets went Akari’s way, underscoring Creamline’s ongoing adjustments mid-season.
What the Win Means for Akari
Beating Creamline for the first time in PVL history carries more than bragging rights. It signals Akari’s readiness to contend with the league’s elite as the season progresses, especially in a year where imports and local stars alike are navigating the balance between strong early results and deeper tournament pacing. The win also comes with a narrative about resilience and adaptation, as Akari demonstrated the ability to maintain focus across a stretched match and close out pivotal moments at 15-12 in the decisive fifth set.
ZUS Coffee Reasserts Its Momentum in the Other Showdown
While Akari celebrated, ZUS Coffee reaffirmed its own resurgence by edging EV Crossovers in four sets, 25-15, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23. The win reinforced ZUS Coffee’s position in the early conference as a squad capable of answering adversity and making a late surge in crucial matches. American rookie Anna DeBeer was superb with a 37-point outburst, while captain setter Clo Mondoñedo added 22 excellent sets. The performance from Cuban-Kazakh hitter Yunieska Batista (22 points) highlighted the balanced scoring that teams are increasingly relying on in the league’s modern era.
Return of Mylene Paat Caps a Busy Week
The action also included Mylene Paat’s homecoming impact for Chery Tiggo in a separate note of interest. Returning from a 14-month layoff due to injury, Paat chipped in six points off the bench, signaling a promising re-entry into top-level play for a player who previously helped guide her team to title contenders. Her return added another layer to the PVL’s evolving storyline, where veteran leadership meets fresh talent across multiple teams.
In sum, the weekend doubleheader underscored PVL’s blend of breakout performances, comeback narratives, and strategic chess matches at the net. Akari’s breakthrough against Creamline, paired with ZUS Coffee’s continued ascent, suggests an exciting stage is set for the league as the season unfolds.
