With Sharma bringing the fire, Chargers burn Super Spikers
The atmosphere was different for a match still in the classification round of the PVL All-Filipino Cup.
This one marked the exchange of strong kills and big blocks with animated on-court celebrations and intense staredowns.
Fifi Sharma is used to all that.
A product of the La Salle volleyball program, Sharma is one of the reasons the Lady Spikers’ swag is a thing in volleyball.
She put hers on full display on Saturday.
“The game is so much more fun when the energy is like that, when you can really see the passion,” the Akari star said. “It helped a lot, too, aside from the people cheering—there were so many fans who came to watch today.”
It helped one side of the Akari-Cignal duel.
The Chargers forged a come-from-behind 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12 over the Super Spikers at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan for a second straight victory that steadied the team’s bumpy start.
“The atmosphere was so lively and loud, super motivating,” Sharma said.
Cignal also soaked in the competitive atmosphere, with Gel Cayuna and another La Salle product, Erika Santos, spearheading the squad in the tight contest.
But Akari did not run out of answers.
Sharma, the Alas Pilipinas middle blocker, delivered 11 kills and five blocks for 16 points to backstop leading scorer Ivy Lacsina, who had 20 points and 11 excellent receptions.
Nothing personal
Sharma’s energy was important to light the fire under her teammates, as Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, Ced Domingo, Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno fed off that energy.
“That’s really how I contribute—through my energy on the court. That’s what gives me purpose, playing for my teammates. I don’t like seeing them getting pushed around or struggling, so I’m like, ‘Okay, give it to me. I’ll step up. I’ll bring the fire.’ I love that,” she said.
While that swag might rub people the wrong way, Sharma insists it’s nothing personal.
“Maybe it just happens that it’s La Salle. We have that kind of vibe. But at the end of the day, it’s nothing personal. It’s fun because you know that after the game, we’re all friends. But during the game? Let’s go all out,” she said.
Akari coach Tina Salak loved the passion.
“It’s a good sign when you see it in their body language that they’re competitive and energized. Not because of other people, but because they know they need it,” Salak said after Akari fixed its record to 2-3. “We have to bring that same mindset in how we handle the game and how we contribute on the court, especially during tough stretches.”
“I always remind them: in sports, you can’t get too attached to emotions. You have to refocus and go back to the game plan. I won’t get tired of reminding them because I’ve been there, I know how it feels. We didn’t win before by staying quiet or shutting each other out. Along the way, we have to redeem ourselves. We know how Akari plays and we need each other. That’s what we can hold on to.”
Sharma also highlighted the importance of their remaining games after a 0-3 start.
“This game was really big for us. I feel like it was monumental for the team, especially to help us build momentum. We had a really bad start, so this was our chance to turn things around,” she said.
Cignal dropped to 4-2 despite the 23 points each from Vanie Gandler and Santos.
