Ravena came up huge for the Chargers throughout their match versus the Crossovers.
Dani Ravena has had several role changes since becoming a pro for the Akari Chargers in 2021.
In the absence of Michelle Cobb on Tuesday against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito called on Ravena to be the backup setter for the team—and safe to say, she delivered.
Entering as a double substitute alongside Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Ravena made valuable contributions, leading the Chargers' run during certain points of the game.
"At first, I was a bit nervous, but I'm used to it since I played as a setter in college and also trained for it in Akari. Even though I primarily played as a libero, setting was not a big deal for me," said Ravena on Akari’s team website.
Ravena had been a setter during her first years with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. She later transitioned to the libero position which eventually became her regular role for the team.
Despite the quick turnaround for Tuesday’s game, the 5-foot-6 Ravena expressed gratitude towards her teammates and de Brito for trusting in her.
"I feel that he trusts me. He sees that I can set, and it comes naturally to me,” said Ravena.
“Volleyball is a team effort, even when faced with surprises or challenges. We focused on how to make the most out of it, how to overcome the challenge together as a team," she added.
Despite the loss, the Akari libero believes that the team showed their ability to compete against one of the top teams in the league.
Ravena also remains confident that they will continue to improve as long as they work hard.
"Perhaps the silver lining is that we realized we are capable. We need to work on our endgame, but it's a process,” said Ravena. “We just have to support each other more, improve individually and as a team, and we will show progress in no time.”
Up next for the Chargers will be the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, 4:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.