Risa Sato is making her return to the court after a year-long hiatus, signing with Akari ahead of the upcoming Premier Volleyball League season.
“Welcome to Akari, Risa Sato! Ready to bring in her championship experience and energy, Risa will be a huge boost for the Chargers,” the team wrote in a social media post.
Sato requested her release from Creamline in November 2024 before joining Chery Tiggo, where she had a brief stint. She then stepped away from volleyball after announcing her pregnancy in October 2025.
The 31-year-old middle blocker last suited up for the Crossovers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, where Chery Tiggo finished sixth.
A 10-time PVL champion and two-time Best Middle Blocker, Sato brings championship pedigree, veteran leadership, and added depth to Akari’s frontline. She joins a formidable rotation that includes former Creamline teammate Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Cza Carandang, and newly acquired Sharya Ancheta.
Akari will begin its PVL On Tour campaign against ZUS Coffee on Wednesday in Ilagan, Isabela.
