Tina Salak couldn’t hide her pride as Akari finally overcame defending champion Creamline, claiming their first victory over the powerhouse club in the franchise’s three-year Premier Volleyball League history.
“Of course, the anticipation for a win against Creamline has been long in the making. It finally happened today, so thank you to these incredible ladies beside me,” said Salak, still cheering and celebrating as she entered the press room for the post-game conference.
The Chargers entered their 10th clash with the formidable Cool Smashers determined to break the streak of nine consecutive losses dating back to 2022.
But history would not repeat itself. Fueled by grit and determination, Akari refused to bow, battling through a thrilling five-set war, 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12, to open the 2025 Reinforced Conference with a bang at the Dasmariñas Arena.
“Siguro naging timely lang na Creamline ‘yung kalaban namin ngayon, and we got this win,” said Salak after making her official coaching debut for Akari.
“Also, Creamline is the best team, alam naman natin ‘yun. Champion team ‘yan, but nakita rin natin ‘yung team namin kung how to naging intact, maging buo, at the same time malaki ‘yung potential ng team as this conference goes,” she added.
With their opening-day loss to ZUS Coffee voided due to delayed International Transfer Certificates (ITC) for the imports, Akari’s local players gained the adjustments they needed — setting the path for their landmark victory over Creamline.
(C) PVL Images
“Yung last week kasi, unofficial siya eh. So ‘di ko siya ma-determine kung hanggang saan na kami. Luckily, dun sa mga locals natin, nakita natin ‘yung growth and kung paano mai-improve ‘yung mga problema natin sa mga locals,” said the 49-year-old tactician, who is an FEU legend.
Annie Michem spearheaded the effort with 33 points and 14 stellar receptions, yet it was the combined firepower of Akari’s local players that gave the team the edge.
Eli Soyud added 14 points against the Cool Smashers, while the middle blocker duo of Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo also made their presence felt with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
While it’s promising to see the team click this early, Salak knows the Chargers still have a long journey ahead if they want to truly make their mark in this conference.
“Dapat mag-lead at mag-leave rin kami ng mark sa mga ibang teams, especially sa pool namin. Hindi din madali for us, mahirap din ‘yung transition also nung mga players na like si Mars, galing from ibang team, to make them gel together mahirap,” Salak explained.
“But seeing them play kanina, iba na ‘yung nagiging perspective ng bawat isa. So we acted like a team right now, hindi na kami bumibitaw, ‘yun nga konti na lang eh. But mahabang journey kasi ‘to, it’s been a long journey so be patient lang sa amin. Unti-unti. Unti-unti.”
