Ivy Lacsina emphasizes the importance of building a strong connection and culture within the Akari Chargers as they aim to prove themselves as serious contenders in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Despite coming off a hard-fought four-set victory over the Nxled Chameleons, the Akari Chargers are still searching for consistency and momentum.
With high expectations following their silver-medal finish in the 2024 Reinforced Conference, the Chargers have struggled to establish themselves as serious championship contenders in the All-Filipino tournament.
Star spiker Ivy Lacsina acknowledges that one of their biggest challenges is developing a strong team culture, something veteran squads have already solidified.
“Siyempre po halos lahat ng veteran teams, kaya nagiging buo sila ng sobra dahil may culture na. So kami po kasi, mahirap at first na magbuo ng culture kasi may naa-add tas aalis, so parang ‘di pa ganun nabubuo ‘yung team,” Lacsina told reporters after the match.
[ALSO READ: Akari still building its culture in PVL All-Filipino, says coach Taka Minowa]
Despite these challenges, the former National University standout remains optimistic, stressing that their first step is to strengthen their connection as a unit.
“Ngayon po step one po namin is buohin ‘yung connection namin as a team and mas bigyan namin ng time ‘yung bonding namin para mas lumalim ‘yung pagkakakilanlan namin sa isa’t isa,” said Lacsina.
The 25-year-old outside hitter also pointed out that understanding each other’s strengths and preferences on the court will be key to improving their performance.
“Hinahanap namin kung ano yung mga similarities namin para doon kami magsimula. 'Pag nagkakasama kami, minsan 'di kami nagkaka-eye contact kasi hindi namin alam 'yung gusto ng bawat isa,” she explained. “So doon po kami mag-uumpisa—simulan namin sa similarities and next 'yung differences namin para mas mapadali trabaho.”
[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud draw strength from injured captain Michelle Cobb in Akari’s four-set win vs Nxled]
With a 4-4- record after eight games, the Taka Minowa-led squad will look to finish strong heading into the quarterfinals and prove that their recent Reinforced Conference success was no fluke.
Next up for Akari will be the Capital1 Solar Spikers on February 1 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.