AKARI has been antagonized by volleyball fans since the controversial aftermath of its 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals win over PLDT.
That villain tag of sorts might’ve had its downside over the last seven months since the ‘net touch’ fiasco, but since winning silver in that conference, the Chargers grew stronger than ever.
READ: Akari claims bronze in PVL All-Filipino with rout of Choco Mucho
Even if hate comments and criticism were thrown their way, some even alleging how Akari only reached the PVL Finals through its American import Oly Okaro, the team’s top scoring weapon in Ivy Lacsina couldn’t care less on what other people have to say.
As long as they put in the work and the results on the taraflex, Lacsina knows that the Chargers have no reason to be shaken up.
“[Mas mahalaga] sa’min kung papano na lang namin siya i-filter [bashing]. Kapag naman inintindi namin nang sobra-sobra, kami lang din yung ma-dadown,” Lacsina todl SPIN.ph.
“NI-reverse namin yung isip namin na ‘okay, ang dami nang negative na sinasabi sa’tin.’ Gawin natin siyang motivation para pagdating sa game, makalaro tayo nang maayos.”
Akari rose past adversity on and off the taraflex to become the lowest-seeded team in seven years at No. 7 since the defunct BanKo Perlas to reach the PVL podium.
Such a feat is by no means light work. It was one that became a statement to the Chargers’ newfound mental fortitude amid a troubling period since last year’s controversy.
“Itong conference na ‘to is more on mental toughness. Sobrang laking bagay din ng conference na ito for me and sa team namin kasi dito talaga namin nasubok yung tibay ng loob ng bawat isa and yung mental [toughness] talaga," she said.
Lacsina added: “Nabura lahat ng negative na yun kasi alam ko na kahit anong mangyayari sakin, kahit mawalan ako ng laro, kahit hindi ako makapoint, meron at merong sasalo sa’kin.”
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