Another vet to guide the young ones.
A Trooper has been called up to lead the Chargers.
The Akari Chargers announced middle blocker Luth Malaluan as their latest addition ahead of the PVL Invitational Conference, as announced on Monday.
The 28-year-old Malaluan, who previously played for the Army Black Mamba Lady Troopers, is expected to provide much-needed guidance for Akari's young squad of middle blockers—Camille Victoria of the UST Golden Tigresses, Ezra Madrigal of the FEU Tamaraws, and Krich Macaslang of the Adamson Lady Falcons.
"Another blessing and challenging journey in my volleyball career, thank you Akari Chargers for choosing and trusting me," Malaluan wrote on Instagram.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker is the third Lady Trooper to be dispersed, as the Army will be sitting out the mid-season conference. Jovelyn Gonzaga signed up with the Cignal HD Spikers, while Royse Tubino joined the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Akari will bank on Malaluan to beef up the team's veteran presence alongside Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Eli Soyud, and Bang Pineda to guide the young squad that now includes Ateneo Blue Eagles standout Faith Nisperos.
The Chargers will look to improve on their eighth-place finish in the previous All-Filipino Conference. The squad also hopes to barge into the playoffs for the first time since it joined the pro league in 2022.
(GM)