Alba boosts Akari playmaking

Mars Alba (right) won't have to worry about trying to block Ivy Lacsina anymore. —PVL IMAGES

Gretchen Soltones said Akari’s immediate concern heading into the coming PVL tournament is getting much-needed chemistry under new coach Tina Salak.

“Since everything’s new—the system, everything—we really need to pick up Coach Tina’s system quickly so we won’t struggle in the next games,” Soltones said after one of the Chargers’ matches during the ongoing PVL On Tour.

Soltones and her Akari teammates will have to make room for more adjustments after the Chargers got a welcome roster boost by signing former Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba on Tuesday.

MVP

The management gave a warm welcome to the former La Salle playmaker, convinced that the 5-foot-7 ace could be the missing link to a first franchise championship.

Alba was signed to a multiyear contract.

The UAAP Season 85 Finals Most Valuable Player started her pro career with Choco Mucho and played a key role in the team’s runner-up finish to powerhouse Creamline in last year’s All-Filipino Conference.

Alba will bring resolute leadership and much-needed decision-making to an Akari squad that needs help in both areas. The Chargers are hoping to surpass their runner-up finish in the PVL Reinforced Conference.