Akari’s semifinals campaign in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference has been a rollercoaster ride through two matches.
The Chargers opened the round-robin battle among the top four teams with a stunning upset over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, securing a 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14 victory last Saturday at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
It was a dream start for Akari, setting high expectations for their semifinal run.
However, just three days later, the Chargers were brought back to reality by Creamline. The Cool Smashers dominated them with a commanding 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 sweep at a jam-packed Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Through both contrasting outcomes, one glaring issue stood out — Akari’s offensive system struggled due to the lack of firepower from Ivy Lacsina.
“Siguro, more on kumpiyansa po sa palo,” Lacsina admitted when asked about what she needs to improve.
“Kasi doon talaga ako nag-off pero, siguro po ano, medyo finocus ko po kasi talaga yung pasa at yung defense.”
(C) PVL Images
Against the Flying Titans, the 6-foot-1 outside spiker managed only eight points in the grueling five-set match but contributed nine excellent receptions.
Eli Soyud took charge offensively with a stellar 34-point performance.
Lacsina had another quiet offensive outing against the Cool Smashers, again scoring just eight points. However, she made her presence felt on defense, tallying 11 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.
Despite the tough loss, Akari still has a shot at making the Finals — but they must defeat Petro Gazz on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Siguro po, kanina medyo kalmadong usap pa lang po talaga yung ginawa namin para ma-relax muna po yung team. And then, usap po kami ulit and then training. Yun lang naman po palagi namin gagawin and balik po kami ulit sa drawing board,” Lacsina said, emphasizing their mindset heading into the crucial match.
#WATCH: Ivy Lacsina opens up about her struggles in the #PVL2025 semis, determined to regain her confidence and bring back her power game 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/DjJP1TVvlF
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 1, 2025
