Ivy Lacsina sealed Akari's 2-0 start against ZUS Coffee in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Needing just a point to secure its second straight win in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Akari turned to no other than Ivy Lacsina — and she delivered.
Lacsina connected on a powerful crosscourt kill which ZUS Coffee could not contain, giving the Chargers the four-set victory, 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, Nov. 14.
The 25-year-old outside hitter finished with a game-high 24 points on 22 attacks, one block and an ace.
[RELATED STORY: Akari grabs win No. 2, spoils Thea Gagate’s debut for ZUS Coffee in PVL All-Filipino Conference]
Akari Charger Ivy Lacsina gains the Player of the Game recognition on Wednesday, Nov. 14. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Taking charge once more in crucial moments, Lacsina has seemingly embraced the challenge given to her by Akari chief tactician Taka Minowa.
"Lagi ko lang iniisip kung papano ako nag-start and kung ano 'yung hirap na pinagdaanan ko sa sistema ni coach Taka and sa training. Kaya tini-take ko ito as motivation and challenge para every training talaga namin and game, mas nakaka-help ako sa team namin,” Lacsina said during the post-game press conference.
“Hindi ko masyadong iniisip na pressure siya sa'kin. Kumbaga, ini-enjoy ko lang kasi 'yung tiwala ng coaches,” she added.
With another win streak building for Akari, Lacsina is using some of the lessons the Chargers picked up from their unbeaten run in the elimination round in the recent Reinforced Conference.
“Siyempre, 'yung last conference, magandang experience 'yun sa'min. At the same time, ‘yung tinrabaho namin is kung papaano pa kami magiging better kumpara sa last conference para habang tuluy-tuloy ‘yung panalo namin, natututo pa rin kami,” said Lacsina.
Along with Lacsina, Eli Soyud put up 15 points and Grethcel Soltones contributed 10 in the win.
Thea Gagate had 13 markers in her debut for the Thunderbelles, while Kate Santiago and Michelle Gamit added 12 apiece.
Akari faces defending champion Creamline next on Nov. 23 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.