New Akari coach Salak: Skid-ending triumph vs Creamline is just the beginning
DASMARIÑAS, CAVITE—The stars seemed to align for Tina Salak in her official regular season debut as Akari’s head coach.
After a tough five-set loss to ZUS Coffee on opening day—a result later nullified due to the issue over delayed International Transfer Certificates endorsement for imports—the Chargers had a chance to regroup. The league decided to replay the doubleheader “in the spirit of fairness, competitive parity, and delivering the best possible experience” for fans.
Given a second shot, Salak’s squad made it count.
Facing Creamline—a team that had haunted Akari since the club joined the league in 2022—the Chargers finally broke through. Powered by American import Annie Mitchem’s 33-point eruption, Akari pulled off a 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12 win on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, handing Salak a meaningful victory in her Cavite homecoming.
“As a Caviteña, we’re known for being tough,” said Salak, who hails from Bacoor. “I just really want people from Cavite to be proud of us. Whether as a player or now as a coach, I hope we’re representing the province well.”
“But wherever we’re from, what matters is that we play with heart and strength as a team,” she added. “And that we carry that pride wherever we go.”
The Chargers had lost all 10 of their previous meetings with Creamline. Saturday’s win was more than a breakthrough—it was the product of Salak’s meticulous mindset and emphasis on consistency.
“Every game matters to us, no matter who we’re playing,” she said. “We give every opponent the respect they deserve. Each pool match, we take seriously—not just to perform well, but to give the fans a good game.”
Salak took over the reins from Japanese mentor Taka Minowa last May, and her arrival marked a cultural shift. Though the team is still in transition, particularly with newcomers like Mars Alba adjusting, Salak has seen steady progress.
“It hasn’t been easy. The transition for some players, like Mars, who came from another team, is tough,” she said. “But watching them today, you can tell everyone’s mindset is starting to change.”
The win also served as redemption. Creamline dominated Akari in last year’s Reinforced Conference finals. But since then, Salak has witnessed a deeper level of commitment within her squad, which also claimed bronze in the All-Filipino Conference six months ago.
“The key is showing up every day in training,” she said. “There’s a big difference when you’re consistent. It really shows in the game—the motivation, the joy, how much they enjoy practice.”
While Salak emphasized that the journey is far from over, she acknowledged the psychological lift that comes from toppling the defending champions.
“This win is a big motivation for us,” she said. “Actually, tomorrow’s training is going to be even more fun, right? Win or lose, we still have to train. We have to prepare for Tuesday, and this win just adds to the drive. I think the players will be even more excited to train.”
