After a winless start, Ivy Lacsina stepped up to lead the Akari Chargers, delivering two crucial victories that revived the team’s 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign.
Lacsina showed her reliability on both ends of the court, posting a pair of 20-point performances that anchored Akari’s breakthrough week. Her leadership and consistency were pivotal in turning the team’s fortunes around.
For her efforts, Lacsina was unanimously voted PVL Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for February 24 to 28.
She opened her standout week with a 20-point, 10-reception double-double in a 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22 victory over sister team Nxled Chameleons last Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. All her points came from attacks as she imposed her will offensively while providing steady backcourt support, helping Akari secure its first win of the conference.
Lacsina followed that with another 20-point explosion against the Cignal Super Spikers in a gripping five-set thriller, 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Saturday. She tallied 16 kills, three blocks, an ace, and 11 excellent receptions, proving once again that she could carry the team in high-pressure moments.
(C) PVL Images
“Mas kumapit lang ako sa kasama ko talaga, and team effort to eh. Parang ‘yun talaga, ayaw ko masayang yung pinapaguran ng teammates ko ng coaches ko, so wala nang rason para hindi ilaban,” said Lacsina.
The 6-foot-1 spiker from San Fernando, Pampanga edged a competitive field led by Cignal’s Erika Santos, Choco Mucho’s Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina, PLDT’s Savi Davison, and Capital1’s Bella Belen and Sydney Niegos to claim the weekly honor, given by reporters covering the pioneering professional volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
Despite her breakout performances, Lacsina remained grounded, emphasizing shared leadership alongside veteran winger Grethcel Soltones.
“Sa akin naman po ’yung naging mindset ko talaga, hindi lang bilang ate, kundi bilang leader din,” Lacsina said.
“Tapos na kami sa era na si Ate Grethcel lang yung ate namin. Gusto namin lahat kami mag-step up. At siyempre, nakakataas din ng confidence ’yung result ng game.”
Now a leader both on and off the court, the 26-year-old tower will aim to sustain Akari’s momentum as they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, with the match streaming live and on demand via Pilipinas Live and the league’s official website.
