WORRY not, Akari fans.
Fifi Sharma’s left ankle injury in Game Two of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference is not as serious as once feared, leaving her with a sprain.
The Chargers middle blocker landed awkwardly on team captain and setter Mich Cobb’s foot after a decoy attack attempt.
She left the taraflex on a wheelchair and sat out the rest of the five-set match ultimately won by Akari in five sets, 19-25, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 15-12, to advance to the semifinals for the second straight conference.
READ: Akari charges to the semifinals by outlasting Galeries Tower
After dealing with multiple injury spells over the past year with the likes of Akari aces Cobb, Ivy Lacsina and Grethcel Soltones among others, head coach Taka Minowa expects his squad to be in full strength come the next round.
“Ankle sprain po. She is now able to walk,” Minowa said.
“We know naman the (need for) safety. It’s not a knee sprain, only an ankle sprain. She doesn’t need to go to the hospital, she only needs recovery.”
Looking to improve on its maiden runner-up finish last year, Minowa is optimistic that an import-less, All-Filipino Chargers side is capable of matching — or even exceeding — their historic feat in import-laden play.
“We already have good players but there’s always pressure to make it, especially going to the semifinals,” the Chargers coach said.
“It’s a special time for the players because players, even if they’re good players, if they cannot work together, we cannot make it to the top four.
“This is an opportunity to make this team better kasi all the experience goes into us as a team. Just prepare and just work (to get) better results.”
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