AKARI proved once before that it can make a run to the PVL Finals.
Even after a 2-0 start was followed by a three-game slump, the Chargers are out to show the rest of the field in the longest All-Filipino Conference yet that they are still title contenders, with or without an import.
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The first thing they have to overcome to even come close to their goal? The fear of losing.
“We came from a three-game losing streak so this is parang a good test for the team kasi na-overcome namin 'yung fear of succumbing to losing with eagerness and maturity,” Akari mainstay Fifi Sharma said.
Ending such a skid couldn’t have come at a better time as Akari turned its fortunes around against Chery Tiggo in its final match of 2024 before the holiday break.
“[This win is] very important for me kasi magbe-break kami eh, so I want the team to go on a break knowing na we finished good. This game will set the momentum for the next set of games so hindi kami puwedeng matalo,” Sharma added.
“I need to contribute to the team and also make them realize na like we're capable of winning. It sets the tone for the rest of the conference.”
No shutting Akari down
One of Akari’s newer faces in Grethcel Soltones had to carry on with the conference despite enduring a right hand strain over two weeks ago.
But now’s not the time for the veteran spiker to succumb to the pain when her team needs her the most.
“Pinilit ko siyang ilaro talaga kasi alam ko naman sa sarili ko na papunta na ako sa 100 percent. Ayaw ko rin pabayaan 'yung team na kahit meron mag-step up parang gusto ko pa rin ilaban 'yung kung anong dapat ilaban,” Soltones said.
Expect such a fighting spirit to drive not only Soltones but the rest of Akari forward.
“Mas okay 'yung na-experience na namin 'yung talo sa umpisa and 'yun mahaba din 'yung conference, hindi din natin masasabi.
Soltones added, “One thing lang is for sure na kung anuman ang mangyari, 'yung sinasabi pa rin ni coach Taka [Minowa] na ‘tuloy lang talaga’ ‘yung gagawin namin.”
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