Akari middle blocker Ced Domingo couldn’t be prouder of the squad for showing great character in bouncing back from their 0-3 start in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Chargers got off to a rocky start in the tournament, dropping three straight matches to Choco Mucho, ZUS Coffee, and PLDT.
But despite the rough start to the conference, Domingo said the team never lost focus. If anything, the early setbacks only fueled their determination to snap the three-game skid — a goal they finally achieved on Tuesday.
Akari overcame a minor slip in the third set to dismantle Nxled in four frames, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, securing their first win of the tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
“I don’t think there’s really pressure. It’s more on us sa team, kung paano kami mag-bounce back,” said Domingo.
“That’s what I’m really happy and proud of my team, kasi ‘yung mental toughness ng lahat, ‘yung character ng team… And then I’m really happy kasi kahit na we’re losing, ‘yung morale ng team, it’s not going down. Parang mas eager pa bumawi for the next games.”
The two-time Best Middle Blocker delivered 17 points in the win, built on 14 attacks, two kill blocks, and one ace as the Chargers improved their record to 1-3, tying the Flying Titans at the eighth spot.
Domingo said she simply focused on her role, trusting that the rest would fall into place, and leaned on support from her teammates throughout their winless start.
“Going to this match, of course with not having a great start nga to the season, personal mindset muna is to do my job and the rest will follow,” said the former Finals MVP.
“Siguro it’s more on holding on to each other lang talaga. ‘Yun lang ‘yung nagiging motivation talaga ng lahat, especially me. ‘Yung team [talaga].”
#WATCH: I DON'T THINK IT WAS PRESSURE 🏐
Ced Domingo shares that despite their 0-3 start, Akari's morale never sunk to rock bottom#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/IA6tm27Noy
📹 Jonash Dannug/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/jPPci6rGsC
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 24, 2026
