PERSONAL redemption was the theme of Ivy Lacsina’s inspired scoring performance as Akari inched closer to a second straight PVL podium finish in the battle for third over Choco Mucho.
The last time they met in the single-round robin semifinals, Akari’s leading scorer in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference was held to just eight markers in a dramatic 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14 five-set comeback over a week ago in Antipolo.
READ: Akari denies Choco Mucho in five sets to close in on PVL bronze
Even in a rare off-game for Lacsina, the Chargers still delivered.
This time, with a PVL medal on the line, Lacsina made sure her presence will be strongly felt with a near double-double of 20 points and nine digs in a 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11 reverse-sweep to win Game One of the bronze medal series opener.
The first thing she made sure not to repeat in Akari’s semis losses? Mid-game frustrations.
“Kanina po nung down po kami ng first two sets, di naman po kami ganun ka-frustrated,” Lacsina bared.
“Nasa mindset namin na no room for frustration today at kailangan namin iswitch yung mindset namin na mag-tulungan at mag-tiwala sa isa’t isa.”
The 25-year-old National University product made sure not to let past mistakes haunt her as she was able to exorcise the ghosts of her dismal self back in the semis to get one hand on the bronze.
“Hindi ko po gaano inisip yung huling mga laro namin. Yung binago ko po sa mindset ko, kapag nandun na ako sa court, fresh mind po ako," she stated.
“The past few games, masyado ko ring prinessure yung sarili ko and masyado kong iniintindi yung laro. Ngayon, fresh mind lang ako pumasok sa court.”
Akari can bring a second franchise medal home in as many conferences on Thursday in Game Two, 4:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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