Fifi Sharma is confident that the Akari Chargers can use the lessons picked up from their early defeats to surge later in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Akari Chargers definitely expected a better record to start the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
But after six games, the Chargers currently sit in fifth place with a 3-3 record, having just ended their three-game skid with a four-set win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, December 10.
It wasn’t the start that Akari had hoped for but star middle blocker Fifi Sharma isn’t all too concerned about the team’s performances so far.
In fact, she’s happy to see the Chargers discover their mistakes early in the extended conference.
“It's good na we uncovered these problems early on kasi mahirap na siya kapag sa huli pa kami mag-crumble or magkakaroon ng mga problema, so I mean good lang kasi nagpo-progress kami,” Sharma said during the post-game press conference.
“Parang there's no way to go but up dun sa games namin previously kasi ang hinahangad talaga namin is mag-improve and mag-gel pa kasi nga like this is a long conference,” she added.
Sharma made sure that Akari would head into the Christmas break back in the win column as she contributed 16 points in the win over Chery Tiggo.
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Prior to this, the Chargers had been dealt three straight sweeps by the Creamline Cool Smashers, Farm Fresh Foxies, and Petro Gazz Angels.
“I'm proud of the team as a whole kasi they overcame their fear of losing again despite na natalo kami nung first set,” said Sharma. “Na-brave namin 'yung three more sets so 'yun lang, overall just very happy kasi the team showed their maturity and their willingness and eagerness to win tonight.”
With a long break ahead of them, the 24-year-old middle blocker is hoping that the Chargers will use this victory as further motivation heading into 2025.
“I want the team to go on a break knowing na we finished good,” said Sharma. “Pati kasi this game will set the momentum for the next set of games so hindi kami puwedeng matalo kasi I need to contribute to the team and also make them realize na like we're capable of winning.”
Akari will be back in action on January 18 for their highly-anticipated match against the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.