Ivy Lacsina overcame quite the struggle and criticism to deliver the bronze medal-clinching attack for the Akari Chargers against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Akari’s bronze medal finish in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference meant more than just standing on the podium for Ivy Lacsina.
The 25-year-old spiker delivered the winning point in the decisive Game 3, sealing the Chargers' straight-sets victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, on Saturday, April 12 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
She finished with 12 points, helping the young Akari squad cap their campaign on a high note.
After the game, Lacsina couldn’t hold back her emotions as she reflected on the journey behind their hard-fought finish.
“Parang naisip ko ‘yung lahat nung nangyari nitong conference, so parang ‘yung last point, dun nabuhos lahat,” Lacsina said as she held back her tears during the post-game press conference.
[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina shifts mindset in time to rediscover form, lead Akari’s PVL bronze medal bid]
Akari entered the post-season as the 7th seed with just a 5-6 record, a challenging run in comparison to their sensational silver in last year's Reinforced Conference. Despite this, the Chargers managed to reach the semifinals, beating Farm Fresh Foxies and Galeries Tower Highrisers in the process.
The Taka Minowa-led squad also came near to another Finals appearance after their semis-opening victory against Choco Mucho.
With their bronze finish, Akari became the lowest-seeded team to reach the podium in seven years.
“Madami po kasi nangyari sa loob ng team namin, so ‘yun talaga pinanghuhugutan talaga namin. Gusto din namin bigyan ng justice ‘yung mga ginagawa ng coaches for us, ‘yung tiwala ng management, ‘yung suporta ng mga fans, and siyempre ‘yung tulungan namin as a team,” Lacsina told One Sports.
[ALSO READ: Akari still building its culture in PVL All-Filipino, says coach Taka Minowa]
Lacsina also admitted that the bronze medal was indeed personal. Throughout the season, she faced her fair share of critics and doubters, but instead of letting the negativity bring her down, she used it as fuel to push harder.
“Sakin, personally, sobrang dami [ang pinagdaanan], kasi madami din nag-doubt sakin, madami akong naririnig na negative,” Lacsina shared. “Kahit sabihin natin na dedmahin lang ‘yun, makikita at mababasa mo din. Sakin, naging motivation ko ‘yung mga negative na nangyari.
“‘Yung volleyball naman, as a team talaga ito kaya hindi lang para sa akin itong medal na ito, para sa coaches, management, and fans,” she added.
Now, Lacsina and the Chargers can celebrate the long conference with their bronze medals.