Ivy Lacsina will be taking on a much bigger challenge in her new squad.
Lacsina was recently named as the skipper of the Chargers by head coach Taka Minowa and took the task head-on, leading Akari to a debut victory over Capital1 on Thursday night.
“Inassign po ako ni Coach Taka (Minowa) maging game captain. Kaya kahit may mga errors po akong na-cocommit, hindi ko po pwedeng ipakita sa mga teammates ko na naiinis ako or na-low morale ako. Kaya mindset ko po na kailangan kong mag-lead sa team,” said Lacsina.
Despite a slow start, Akari managed to make a run in the fourth set to stave off Capital1, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14, to open its campaign with a bang in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena.
Lacsina announced her arrival to the Chargers with a bang, firing 20 points, all of which came from attacks, to lead all scorers.
“Masaya naman po kasi kahit nasa season na kami, tina-try pa rin namin i-build ‘yung connection namin sa isa’t isa. Mas napapadali siya kasi madaling kausapin ‘yung mga teammates namin,” the 24-year-old winger from Angeles City, Pampanga said.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Lacsina, formerly with Nxled, transferred to Akari along with Minowa, libero Dani Ravena, middle blocker Camille Victoria, and setter Kamille Cal.
Meanwhile, four players from the Chargers, led by Dindin Santiago-Manabat – who later signed with Choco Mucho – were sent to the Chameleons.
Under the guidance of the same coach despite transferring teams, Lacsina noted that her main adjustment involved integrating with new teammates, who warmly welcomed her into the fold.
“Same naman po yung naging sistema ni coach Taka pagdating niya sa Akari. ‘Yung mga naging adjustments ko lang po pagdating ko sa Akari is yung sa teammates po,” said the former NU Lady Bulldog.
“May mga ates din po kami dito so parang yun talaga yung kailangang ibuild na connections. Mas dumali naman siya kasi nandyan sina Cams (Victoria), sina Dani (Ravena), sina Kamuy (Cal) na nakasama ko na dati so tinulungan din nila ako.”
