Middle blocker? Outside hitter? If Ivy Lacsina can excel at both, why not both?
Following her decision to join the Nxled Chameleons, many PVL fans were excited to see what Ivy Lacsina’s development would be like under coach Taka Minowa.
Among the first questions is—what position will Lacsina be playing for the young Chameleons squad?
That question, however, has yet to be answered as Lacsina sat out the pre-season Akari Cup due to a knee injury. She now expects to make her Nxled debut in March.
But based on the team's training sessions, it seems like the 6-foot-1 Lacsina is sticking to her current position as an outside hitter.
“Sabi naman po niya [coach Taka], try muna namin 'yung wing and then 'yung middle, so wala pa talag hanggang siguro malapit na 'yung liga,” Lacsina told reporters in Nxled’s media availability last January 19.
For her part, Lacsina, who made the transition from being a middle blocker to an outside hitter back with the F2 Logistics, is willing to be put in either position in Nxled. Ivy was notably NU's star middle blocker when the Lady Bulldogs won the UAAP title in Season 85.
“Siguro nasanay na kasi pa-iba iba eh, so parang kahit saan na ako ilalagay. Kung ano 'yung mas makaka-help sa team,” said Lacsina.
Ivy's versatility is part of why Minowa sees her as a premier player. Coach Taka believes in Lacsina’s potential to be an asset not only for the Chameleons but also for the national team.
“She [Ivy] has a lot of potential that's why I need to take care of her condition. I don't [want] her to have [an] injury during [her time] with Nxled because I know, not only for the Nxled [but] in the Philippines, she's [a] more important player for the national team also,” said Minowa.
When asked about why Lacsina will be remaining as an outside hitter for the team, Minowa gave an answer that many fans can agree with.
“I just talked to her about [what she wants] in the future. She wants to play abroad and for the national team,” said Minowa.
“In the Philippines, they have a lot of tall middle blockers. It’s better for her to be an outside hitter because in the Philippines the outside hitters are small. So if she can be a good outside hitter and a good passer, [she will be] more effective for the national team and PVL,” he added.
While it will take some before fans get to see Ivy back on the court with the Chameleons, it’s clear that coach Taka has grand plans for the 23-year-old wing spiker.