Justine Jazareno turned in her best performance yet for the Akari Chargers during their Game 1 victory against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the battle for bronze.
Akari head coach Taka Minowa has long believed in the Chargers’ defensive potential—especially with a healthy Justine Jazareno back in the fold.
On Tuesday night, that belief paid off.
Jazareno, in just her first conference back after her pregnancy, delivered a masterful performance on the floor as Akari clawed back from two sets down to stun Choco Mucho, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, and take Game One of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao
The 23-year-old libero anchored Akari’s resurgent floor defense with 29 excellent digs at 60% efficiency and 16 receptions—her best showing since returning to action.
“Parang kunin na namin 'yung laro na ito and then ‘yung for bronze kasi gusto rin naman namin na manalo. Parang pinaghirapan din naman namin 'yung game na ito,” Jazareno said during the post-game press conference.
“Overwhelming siya kasi siyempre wala pa akong one year nakabalik. Thankful lang din ako sa chance na binibigay ni coach sa akin—‘yung trust niya sa akin,” she added.
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Minowa, known for his tactical approach to the game, noted how Akari’s defensive numbers have slowly climbed after being near the bottom of the league earlier in the season.
“Actually, on the stats, always like Akari defense is ranking bottom. I could not believe it because we are able to be a good block team. With a good block team, we have a lot of ball touch,” he explained.
Minowa also pointed out that Akari’s main struggle lies in the offensive department, but praised Jazareno and fellow defensive specialist Grethcel Soltones for helping set the tone.
“If it’s improving defense, maybe Justine and Greta, they know how important defense is. And now, with them inside the court, that’s why people can see our defense is improving,” Minowa added.
[ALSO READ: Akari still building its culture in PVL All-Filipino, says coach Taka Minowa]
With one more win needed to secure the back-to-back podium finish in the PVL, Akari will look to ride the momentum into Game Two of the bronze medal match on Thursday, April 10.