Fifi Sharma has played a vital role in Akari’s resurgence in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Sharma has become the Chargers’ spark plug, injecting energy and urgency that fueled their climb, powering the team to back-to-back wins after a dismal four-game slide to start the tournament.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker’s impact was on full display in their gutsy 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-11 five-set triumph over Cignal on Saturday. She tallied 16 points on 11 attacks and five kill blocks to lead Akari past the former league leaders.
But beyond the numbers, Sharma brought her signature swagger and infectious energy, lifting her teammates and intensifying the team’s play at crucial moments.
“Yes, super yes for me, especially kasi yun yung nakakapag-contribute, like yung energy ko sa loob ng court,” said the Alas Pilipinas standout.
“’Yun kasi yung nagbibigay sa akin ng purpose to play for my teammates kasi ayoko silang naaapi or ayoko silang — basta, ganun ako. Ako na lang yung mag-step up. Sige, bigay niyo na sa akin ’to, ako na yung magra-“rawr.” I love that!” she added.
Meanwhile, Chargers head coach Tina Salak highlighted the team’s body language, praising how her players carried themselves even during rough stretches of the match.
She said their composure and refusal to back down — even when momentum swung against them — reflected the growth and resilience the squad has been building.
(C) PVL Images
“Magandang start yung makikita mo sila in a body language na… Yun nga, sabi nila competitive and energized sila, not because of other people, because kailangan din namin makuha yun,” said Salak.
“Yun yung isasabay namin kung paano namin i-handle yung game, paano namin i-contribute yung pwede naming galaw sa court, especially when times are rough. I have to remind namin na walang ganung attachment sa sports; you have to refocus, you have to go back to the game plan,” she added.
Sharma, for her part, said the win was crucial for the team, giving them a much-needed boost and another chance to bounce back after a difficult start.
“This game talaga. I feel like monumental sa team, especially to get our momentum going, kasi nga we had a very bad start. So ngayon yung chance namin para magkaroon ng magandang momentum, and I feel like that’s my motivation playing for my teammates and contribute as much as I can to get the win,” said Sharma, daughter of former PBA player Carlo Sharma.
She also credited the intensity and energy of the fans for helping elevate the team’s play, noting that the crowd’s support kept their momentum alive throughout the match.
Adding to the excitement, Akari welcomed a special group of spectators from Sisters of Mary Girls Town in Cavite, whose presence gave the team an extra lift.
“Ang saya ng laro kapag ganun yung energy when you can see the passion. ’Yun din nakatulong siya kasi apart from the people cheering, andaming nanood today,” Sharma said.
“Sobrang nakakagana yung ganitong atmosphere na sobrang lively and sobrang ingay.”
