FULLY RECHARGED
For a consistent podium finisher, losing their first three games was a tough pill to swallow for the Akari Chargers.
But coach Tina Salak kept her wards’ spirits high by forgetting the strings of heartbreak.
“It’s a daily struggle for us. But at the end of the day, we have to move forward. The 0-3 start is done. We have another chance to perform well and correct our mistakes,” said Salak in Filipino.
“My faith in this team won’t disappear just because we had a bad start. We have to prove that we can bounce back.”
That’s what the Chargers did. They didn’t pressure themselves to end the dry spell, they enjoyed the game and took down their new-look sister team, Nxled, composed of Petro Gazz stars, 25-18, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
“We had a bad start this conference. But one thing we’re starting to master is our composure, especially in close games. It’s about maturity. As the older players, we can’t stop learning because we also have to help the next batch. It’s really about maturity,” said Ivy Lacsina, who had 22 points.
“Pressure only exists if you think about it. What I’ve seen in our team is that we prioritize enjoying the game. The team has a different energy when we’re enjoying the game, compared to when we’re thinking only about having to win.”
Ced Domingo, who backstopped Lacsina with 17 points, said mental toughness also helped end their woes.
Finishing blows
“Coming into this match after not having a great start to the season, my personal mindset was just to do my job and let the rest follow. It’s really about holding on to each other,” said Domingo.
“I don’t think it’s about pressure. It’s more about how we bounce back as a team. I’m really proud of our mental toughness and character. Even when we were losing, our morale didn’t drop. If anything, we became more eager to bounce back in the next games.”
Eli Soyud delivered the finishing blows in the fourth set to secure the win, ending with 13 points. Grethcel Soltones added 12 points along with 14 digs and 10 excellent receptions. Setter Mars Alba dished out 22 excellent sets and added five points, while libero Justine Jazareno anchored the floor defense with 25 digs.
With a 1-3 record, Salak hopes this is the start of Akari’s rise and that the team can continue its surge against Cignal on Feb. 28.
“This win is a big boost after a very bad start. It’s important for us. But we need to double our efforts because we’re trying to catch up. We don’t want to end this round in the bottom four. There’s still a chance to reach our goal. We’ll take it one day at a time,” the Akari coach said.
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