Ivy Lacsina and the Akari Chargers are embracing the hate and criticisms as they advance to their first-ever PVL Finals in the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
In just her first conference with Akari, Ivy Lacsina has helped the Chargers reach new heights, with the team set for their first-ever PVL Finals after escaping the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the semifinals of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Akari’s semifinal victory, however, was marked by controversy after PLDT called for a net touch on middle blocker Ezra Madrigal during a lengthy rally.
League officials, however, ruled the challenge unsuccessful, later citing section 11.3.2 of the FIVB rulebook, which explained that the play had already progressed away from when Madrigal’s shoulder touched the net.
[ALSO READ: PVL explains controversial unsuccessful challenge by PLDT against Akari in Reinforced Conference semis]
Amid the lull in action and drama on the court, Lacsina remained hopeful for whatever outcome might come their way during the tense finish with PLDT.
“Kasi nung time na 'yun, siyempre mas tumagal 'yung fifth set, so inisip lang talaga namin is kung ano man mangyari, wala kaming pagsisihan kasi binigay talaga namin lahat,” Lacsina told One Sports.
“Kahit hindi ganun ka-pulido 'yung ginawa namin, kung ibibigay samin ni Lord, ibibigay niya talaga samin,” she added.
Ultimately, Akari pulled through, winning three of the next four points following the controversial call. The victory allowed the Chargers to extend their undefeated record to 10-0 as they advance to their first-ever PVL Finals, where they will take on Creamline.
[ALSO READ: PVL semis: Ivy Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones bare what sparked Akari's comeback win vs. PLDT]
Though the controversial result will undoubtedly fuel more hate against Lacsina and the Chargers, warranted or not, the 24-year-old outside hitter has learned to accept the bashing she and her team have received since the start of their campaign.
“Kami talaga ever since, lalo na ako kasi 'yung mga tao talaga sakin madaming bina-bash o may sinasabi, lagi lang ako nag-focus kung ano nasa harap ko,” said Lacsina, who finished with 19 points as Akari's top local option.
“Talagang focus lang ako kung ano 'yung goal ko and lagi din namin pinag-uusapan sa team na lahat naman yan sila maniwala man sila or hindi, maganda man o pangit 'yung ipakita natin, may masasabi sila, so focus tayo kung ano 'yung goal natin, trabaho tayo and then prove them wrong,” she added.
This being her third team already in her young pro career, Lacsina is proud to have found a home in Akari.
But she still made sure to recognize her development back when she was with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and the Nxled Chameleons, development that led her to the player she is now.
“Super happy ako at the same time, masaya ako na napunta ako dun sa mga team ko before kasi madami din ako natutunan dun,” Lacsina bared.
“Pag dating ko dito, inapply ko lang ulit, dinagdagan ni coach Taka [Minowa] and tinrabaho lang talaga namin, tinrabaho ako ng coaches. As in, di nila ako sinukuan kaya super happy ako kasi kasi ngayon kahit anong mangyari alam ko worth it 'yung pagod ng lahat and mga pinagdaanan ko before,” she added.
Lacsina and the Chargers will need just one more win to complete their undefeated run in the Reinforced Conference as they face the Creamline Cool Smashers for the title on Monday, September 2 at the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum.