The Akari Chargers have made a remarkable start in the ongoing 2024/25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, winning both of their opening games and surging to the top of the standings. Spearheading their success is none other than their star player, Ivy Lacsina, who has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills on the court.
In recognition of her outstanding performances, Lacsina was named the inaugural Player of the Week for the conference by the PVL Press Corps, covering the period from November 9 to 16. This award, chosen by journalists who cover the league, is a testament to her dominance in the early stages of the tournament.
ALL CHARGED UP
— PVL Press Corps (@PVLPressCorps) November 17, 2024
Ivy Lacsina helped Akari to 2-0 in the PVL AFC, averaging 20 points in 2 wins, she is the PVL PC Player of the Week
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Ivy Lacsina, who played a pivotal role in Akari’s breakthrough finals appearance during the Reinforced Conference, has taken her game to an even higher level this season.
In Akari’s opening match against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the Philsports Arena, the 25-year-old tallied 16 points in a thrilling four-set win (28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23). Her stellar performance continued in their second outing, where she powered Akari to a hard-fought victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. Lacsina recorded 24 points, converting 22 of her 43 attack attempts, along with a block and an ace, in a 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23 triumph.
Her dominance on the court set her apart from several other notable players in the league, including Kat Tolentino of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Jema Galanza of the Creamline Cool Smashers, and Brooke Van Sickle of the Petro Gazz Angels.
These players, along with others such as Savannah Davison and Ara Galang, were also in contention for the Player of the Week award, but it was Lacsina’s leadership and consistency that secured her the honor.
The Akari Chargers are competing in the All-Filipino Conference without the assistance of an import, putting the onus on their local players to step up. Ivy Lacsina has embraced this challenge, taking on a leadership role to inspire her teammates and drive the team’s success.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations and their journey so far, Lacsina shared during a media interview:
“Yung last conference po maganda pong experience po yun sa amin. At the same time po, yung tinrabaho po namin kung paano pa po kami magiging better kumpara sa last conference po para habang tuloy-tuloy po yung panalo po namin, natututo pa rin po kami.”
Her determination is evident as she highlights the importance of teamwork and resilience:
“Dahil wala na nga pong Oly, so mas eager ang every local player sa team namin na mag-step up kasi wala na kaming ibang aasahan kundi yung isa’t isa nalang. Every training, every game talaga, talagang tinatrabaho namin.”
Akari’s Japanese coach, Taka Minowa, has played a significant role in honing Ivy Lacsina’s skills, particularly her prowess as a spiker. This specialized training aligns with Lacsina’s long-term aspirations to play overseas and represent Alas Pilipinas on the international stage.
Lacsina remains grounded despite the high expectations placed on her. She credits her growth to her coach’s system and her personal journey, saying:
“Lagi ko lang inisip kung paano ako nag-start and kung ano yung hirap na pinagdaanan ko sa sistema po ni coach Taka and sa training. Tinatake ko po siya as motivation and challenge para every training talaga namin and game mas nakakahelp ako sa team namin.”
Instead of viewing these challenges as pressure, she chooses to see them as opportunities to excel and support her team.
Lacsina and the Akari Chargers will face a formidable test on Saturday, November 23, when they go up against the Creamline Cool Smashers at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. This matchup is expected to be a thrilling encounter, as Creamline is one of the most decorated teams in the PVL. For Akari, maintaining their unbeaten record will require every ounce of effort and determination, particularly from Lacsina, whose performances so far have been instrumental to their success.
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