REPAYING THE TRUST
Tina Salak introduced a new system after assuming coaching duties for Akari, with a big part of that having the middle blockers like Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma more involved.
The duo is repaying that trust, and along with everyone else who enjoy the change that has come, the Chargers are off to a 2-0 start in the PVL Reinforced Conference after carving our another five-set win, this time at the expense of Chery Tiggo EV, 25-11, 22-25, 29-27, 17-25, 15-7, on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Coming from past conferences, I felt like my contributions weren’t that competitive,” the 26-year-old Domingo, once a Finals MVP with another team, told the Inquirer in Filipino. “But with Coach Tina now, her system is very nice because everyone gets involved.
“It’s made things easier for our other spikers, especially the wing attackers, since defenders now have to watch out for us (middle blockers), too,” Domingo, who finished with seven kills, five blocks and four aces, added. “It also feels good to finally be part of the transition plays.”
Sharma made a dent on the Crossovers, too, scoring 10 points as the Chargers brandished offensive depth to score a follow up to a marathon five-set win over Creamline—Domingo’s former team—last week.
Spread out offense
American reinforcement Annie Mitchem and Eli Soyud led the Chargers with 17 points each. Chenie Tagaod had 11 points, while Grethcel Soltones added eight to complete Akari’s balanced scoring.
Domingo also lauded setter Mars Alba, who has been making the most of the Chargers’ offensive wealth despite being new to the team.
“She’s such a jolly person,” Domingo said of their veteran setter. “From Day 1, she didn’t feel out of place at all. It’s great how quickly she blended into the team.
“And even though she plays such a crucial role as our setter, she’s slowly learning everyone’s preferences for sets.”
A former Nakhon Ratchasima import in Thailand, Domingo was part of Akari’s first final appearance last year where the Chargers lost to Creamline.
Redeeming themselves isn’t the main mindset of the team, but about competing at the highest level in facing the vastly improved squads for Domingo and the Chargers.
“We’re not thinking about it too much. This is a new season, with new imports, new players, and a lot of key players stepping up and working double time,” Domingo said. “So for us, this conference feels different. The team’s morale is super high right now, and everyone’s just really happy.”
Akari has nine days to prepare for Petro Gazz on Oct. 23 at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Chery Tiggo remained winless in two games, hoping to enter the win column in Ilagan City against Petro Gazz on Saturday.
Cess Robles carried the Crossovers with 20 points, while Yunieska Batista had 17 points, 14 digs, and nine receptions. Ara Galang and Mylene Paat delivered nine and eight points, respectively.
