PVL: Chen Tagaod delivers clutch aces as Akari sweeps Petro Gazz for QF berth

Chen Tagaod torched Petro Gazz from the service line as Akari completed a hard-fought 32-30, 25-22, 25-19 win in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour knockout round on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena. 

The rookie outside spiker out of Far Eastern University delivered four of the Chargers' last five points, highlighted by three huge aces in a row, as they advanced to the quarterfinals where they will go up against Cignal. 

Tagaod's heroics sealed Akari's gritty straight-sets victory. 
 
Both teams figured in an extended Set 1 with the Angels, the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions, forcing a 30-all deadlock on a power kill from Myla Pablo. But Ivy Lacsina came up with two straight attacks from the left wing to close out the opening frame, 32-30. 

Akari once again raced to an early lead in Set 2 with Ezra Madrigal returning an overpass from Petro Gazz for a 23-18 cushion before Petro Gazz answered with a 4-1 rampage to trim the gap to two, 22-24. 

Grethcel Soltones then unleashed one from the left side and used the hands of Joy Dacoron to secure a check-out point, sending Akari to a commanding 2-0 set lead. 

Akari clinched an early 10-5 lead in the third frame before Petro Gazz responded with a 9-2 blast that swung the lead into their favor, 14-12. 

But Soltones, Tagaod, and Eli Soyud fueled the finishing touches with Soyud unloading a hammer from the opposite side before a Pablo attack error made it a 20-17 lead for Akari. 

Petro Gazz retaliated with two points in a row but Tagaod came alive, attacking from the left wing before serving up three straight aces to deliver the match point at 24-19. Soltones punctated the sweep, completing a cross court attack and eliminating the Angels from contention. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News