By: Ernest Tuazon
Akari has achieved a franchise-best 6-0 start in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, but for Oly Okaro, the team’s job is far from complete; their ultimate goal remains a championship.
Okaro urged the Chargers not to become complacent, emphasizing the need to maintain their focus to achieve their title aspirations despite an undefeated start to the season.
“Let’s remember that just because we’re in first place, that doesn’t mean anything because other teams will be hungry to beat us. So, let’s not get complacent, let’s not get too relaxed,” Okaro said after scoring 32 points in Akari’s 23-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 18-16 win over the Highrisers.
“There were moments where we got too relaxed, so it’s something we need to work on moving forward because every team is going to fight really hard,” she added.
While also achieving a franchise-high in wins with their six-game streak, the 28-year-old wing spiker cautioned the Chargers to be wary of lower-seeded teams.
Okaro and Akari will next face sister team NXLED (1-4) and Farm Fresh (2-3) as they aim to close the elimination phase with a clean slate.
(C) PVL Images
“When you’re the top team, everyone wants to beat you badly, so they bring everything they have because they feel like they have nothing to lose,” said the opposite hitter from San Diego Mojo.
To combat complacency, Okaro advised Akari to remain calm in tough situations, which they should be accustomed to by now.
Prior to their grueling five-set win against Galeries, the Chargers pulled off massive reverse sweeps against Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho in Pool B play.
“I just try to stay calm and remind everybody to stay calm. It’s okay—there’s no need to get nervous, just play your game,” she said.
“At the end of the day, if we’re confident in what we’re doing, there’s no need to be nervous because we’ll execute what we’ve been practicing.”
