AKARI was a point away from getting eliminated in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference and have its unbeaten run go all for naught.
Good thing then that they know a thing or two - three, to be exact - about playing in five-setters and coming through at the end of them.
The Chargers, well, charged to their first-ever top seed after going 8-0 in the preliminaries - with three of their wins in come-from-behind, five-set fashion.
Marathon triumphs over Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz, and Galeries Tower prepared them for their toughest test and direst situation yet: down 13-14 in Set 5 of the semifinals, and PLDT at match point.
Albeit with controversy, Akari pulled together to tie the tally at 14-all, then 15-all before scoring back-to-back points to advance to its maiden finals.
READ: PLDT to protest controversial semis loss to Akari
The fact that they went through that small of a needle, of course, left a lasting impression.
Even though their eventual celebration was marred by outrage from fans, as well as PLDT's formal protest on a supposed net touch infraction on Ezra Madrigal, the Chargers are feeling good about their hard-earned, historic, and finals-clinching five-set win.
“Sa lahat ng five sets po na nilaro namin, ito ‘yung pinakamahirap pero memorable sa’min kasi alam namin talaga na ‘yung PLDT, sobrang strong team and veterans talaga,” newcomer Ivy Lacsina, who had 19 points to lead their locals, said.
“At the same time, kinaya namin dahil din sa tulong ng coaches and teamwork namin. ‘Yung kapit din namin nila ate Greta [Grethcel Soltones] sa isa’t-isa, tinginan talaga kami kaya siguro ‘yun talaga ‘yung nakapagpanalo sa’min.”
But wait, there's more for Akari
It should be noted that due to the High Speed Hitters' formal protest, the fledgling franchise's biggest win yet may be overturned.
As things stand, however, only dynastic eight-time champion Creamline stands in its way of even more history: a first-ever championship.
Still, Lacsina has full faith that no challenge would be too tall to conquer for them to complete a Cinderella run like no other.
And that even includes being ‘public enemy number one’ following the semis fiasco.
“Ang iniisip lang po namin is magtrabaho lang po kami at gawin kung ano ‘yung nasa plan at nasa sistema. Wala na kaming ibang iisipin pa. Ibigay man po sa’min ni Lord na manalo kami ngayong season, bonus na po ‘yun," she said.
“Ang importante, nag-all out po kami ngayong season.”
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