Foxies end Chargers' streak, punch ticket to qualifying round

Farm Fresh booked its place in the qualifying round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after ending Akari’s five-game winning streak with a commanding 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 25-17 victory on Saturday at the Filoil Centre.

The Foxies closed out the preliminary round on a three-game winning streak, finishing with a 5-4 record and 17 points—enough to earn a top-four finish alongside PLDT and Cignal.

After dropping the third set, Farm Fresh regrouped and dominated the fourth frame, ensuring there would be no need for a deciding fifth set and cementing their advancement to the next stage.

“Akari is a very well-rounded team,” said Foxies head coach Koji Tsuzurabara. “They are strong outside, in the middle, and in the opposite. I appreciate their effort, and I’m proud of my players—they gave their best today.”

Royse Tubino led the way for Farm Fresh, finishing with a game-high 21 points on 19 attacks and two kill blocks. She was joined by Trisha Tubu, who added 19 points with 17 attacks, one block, and one ace, and Ces Molina, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 11 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions in the one-hour, 52-minute contest.

Setter Alohi Robins-Hardy orchestrated Farm Fresh’s offense with 19 excellent sets, while Bia General anchored the defense with 18 excellent receptions and 12 digs. Riri Meneses chipped in eight markers to round out the scoring.

Akari, meanwhile, ended the preliminaries tied for third to fifth with Farm Fresh and Nxled. However, due to a lower points ratio, the Chargers will enter the play-in semifinals instead of advancing directly.

Eli Soyud led Akari with 17 points on 12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Ivy Lacsina added 15 points and 12 excellent receptions. Middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo contributed nine and eight points, respectively, and Grethcel Soltones was held to just four points.

Team captain Justine Jazareno recorded an incredible 26 digs and 24 excellent receptions, but her efforts were not enough to keep Akari from falling. Mars Alba also added 15 excellent sets in the defeat.