Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud draw strength from injured captain Michelle Cobb in Akari’s four-set win vs Nxled

The Akari Chargers had extra motivation in their four-set win over the Nxled Chameleons, 21-25, 25-20, 26-24, and 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, January 23.

In the second set, team captain Michelle Cobb went down with an apparent neck injury. She was immediately brought to the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan.

Team owner Mozzy Ravena said that Cobb has been doing well and will undergo CT scans to make sure of her condition.

Despite everything that was going on, the Chargers kept their focus on the match as they fended off the Chameleons to get back into the win column.

Ivy Lacsina, who led Akari with a team-high 17 points on 14 attacks, one block, and two service aces, drew strength from their team captain to secure the bounce-back win.

“Siguro po mas kinuhanan namin ng lakas ng loob si ate Miche kasi siyempre para sa kanya din tong laro na 'to,” Lacsina said during the post-game press conference. “Kaya kami nag-stay focused dahil nga po doon sa binubuo naming culture ng team doon kami nag-stick and tinuturo ni coach habang naglalaro.”

Eli Soyud likewise shared the sentiment as she contributed 15 markers in the win.

“Gusto din ni Mich maglaro kami as one and ipanalo ‘yung game ngayon para din sa kumpiyansa ng team, so mas ginalingan namin and humugot kami lakas,” said Soyud.

Aside from Lacsina and Soyud, Faith Nisperos also had a solid outing with 15 points. Kamille Cal stepped up in Cobb’s absence with 12 excellent sets.

Justine Jazareno had 11 excellent receptions in her second game with the team.

For now, the Chargers will await the final diagnosis of Cobb. The injury woes, however, continue for the team with Ced Domingo and Gretchel Soltones still out.

Akari will have nine days off before their next match which will be against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, still at the PhilSports Arena.