After struggling in the semifinals, Ivy Lacsina broke out of her slump with a 20-point performance to help Akari pull off a reverse sweep against Choco Mucho in Game 1 of their PVL bronze medal series.
After a quiet semifinal stretch, Ivy Lacsina finally broke through—and in a big way.
Delivering her best game of the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference playoffs, Lacsina erupted for 20 points in Akari's thrilling five-set comeback win over Choco Mucho, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, in Game 1 of their bronze series on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Siguro po ‘yung talagang tulungan namin as a team nung game po talaga at ‘yung eagerness namin manalo,” Lacsina said during the post-game press conference. “Alam namin na eager talaga ‘yung Choco Mucho so kailangan lang po talaga patibayan po kami—kung sinong mas gusto manalo.”
Ranked sixth among all scorers during the elimination round with 156 total points, the 6-foot-1 outside hitter had been struggling for form as Akari switched things up for the playoffs.
Lacsina was limited to just eight points in each of Akari’s semifinal matches, including their lone win over Choco Mucho.
But on Tuesday, Lacsina revealed a mindset shift that helped spark her resurgence.
“Actually kanina po nung down po kami ng first two sets, ‘di naman po kami ganun ka-frustrated. Nasa mindset namin na ‘no room for frustration today.’ So kailangan namin i-switch ‘yung mindset namin, magtulungan at magtiwala sa isa’t isa,” she said.
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Lacsina also admitted that she used to overthink her performances, but not this time around.
“Hindi ko po gaano inisip ‘yung laro ko today. ‘Yung binago ko po sa mindset, kapag nandoon ako sa court, doon ko lang iisipin para fresh mind po ako,” she explained. “Kasi the past few games parang masyado kong prinessure ‘yung sarili ko and masyado ko iniintindi ‘yung laro, so ngayon po, fresh mind lang ako pumasok sa court.”
[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina points out difference between young Akari squad and veteran PVL teams]
Lacsina will look to continue her form to lead the Chargers in Game 2 and secure back-to-back podium finishes.
Game 2 of the battle for bronze is set for Thursday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m., still at the Big Dome.