Ced Domingo believes that their key additions, headed by coach Taka Minowa, played a major role in Akari’s surprising start in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
The Chargers added Minowa, Ivy Lacsina, Camille Victoria, Kamille Cal, Dani Ravena, and American winger Oly Okaro during the offseason, and the results have been nothing short of impressive so far.
After a seventh-place campaign in the All-Filipino Conference, the retooled Akari put up its best start since joining the league in 2022, sweeping Pool B with an immaculate 5-0 record.
(C) PVL Images
“To be honest, I must say it’s really Coach Taka and his system, and also yung mga nadagdag sa team naming mga players, like Ivy, Kamuy, Dani, and Cams,” said Domingo, who is now in her second conference with the team.
“Very big help talaga sila in this new Akari team. So, ayun, yun yung mga I guess major changes na nangyari and kita naman na it’s really working and everyone is trusting the system,” she added.
Facing their biggest challenge in the group, the Chargers overcame a slow start to hand Cignal its first loss, 15-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22, to enter the crossover round unbeaten on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Domingo scored 10 points, four of which came from blocks, to help her side complete its unbeaten run in the group.
The former Creamline Cool Smasher mentioned that the players are fully embracing Minowa’s system, which bodes well for the upcoming round.
(C) PVL Images
“Definitely not. But I’m happy that we’re getting there and I’m happy din na every game lahat kaming mga players are really evolving and trusting the system of Coach Taka. So it’s a good sign going into the next round,” said Domingo.
Domingo also said that she doesn’t mind the changes during the offseason, as it’s part of the life of a professional athlete.
“I guess, ganun talaga when it comes to professional level na you have to be able to be ready for changes and learn to adapt,” said Domingo.
“Kasi I’ve been through a lot of changes na din naman sa career ko so I guess, etong recent change na to, hindi naman sa bago, but I think, may experiences na ako and I know what to do when those changes come.”
