ONE might think of Akari’s perfect six-game start as a dream that's too good to be true.
But for team manager Mozzy Ravena, such an impeccable turnaround in form in the ongoing 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference is only the start of something good.
In their first three PVL conferences, Akari amassed six combined wins in a one-year span. By their next two All-Filipino league campaigns, they’d put up five wins each, marking their steady ascent through the ranks.
READ: Akari clinches first-ever playoff berth after braving through Galeries Tower scare
It would become a whole new story altogether in the import-laden conference with an array of new players like Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, Dani Ravena, Cams Victoria and American guest import Oly Okaro, who ranks second the league in scoring with 155 total points (25.8 per game).
But one of the most profound catalysts of such a resurgence, however, in the eyes of Ravena and the rest of the Chargers is newly-minted head coach Taka Minowa.
Prior to the conference, Ravena told SPIN.ph how it was imperative for the team to be on the same page with Minowa and imbibe his Japanese system as swiftly as possible in such short a time.
“Every team in the PVL is basically, always working on a better performance every conference. Goals are set by each team. For us at Akari, it’s adapting to coach Taka’s system since it’s his first conference with the team,” said Ravena.
Long way to go for Akari
As the PVL’s last unbeaten team, Akari clinched the first spot in the knockout quarterfinals - the franchise’s first playoff appearance in its two-year run.
The Chargers are also on track to lock up the top seed in the playoffs, should they move past sister team Nxled and Farm Fresh in their last two preliminary round matches to complete an 8-0 sweep.
As one promising chapter continues to write itself after the other in what has been a Cinderella run like no other for Akari, Ravena shares how the team has been one cohesive unit.
But the Akari team manager was quick to temper expectations, saying this is only the beginning and the team has a long way to go.
“What I think is working for us, is the willingness of the players to learn, and the patience of the entire coaching staff and management to trust the process.
“As much as we are happy where we are right now, we also know that it’s still a long way to go. The real work is just beginning. The other teams are peaking and have now scouted all their opponents.
"Each game now will be tougher, so we have to work harder every day at practice.”
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