RIDING on back-to-back wins in a close race to the semifinals, the Akari Chargers are relieved to hit their stride after a sluggish start to the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
At 4-5 win-loss record and two matches remaining, the Chargers remain in contention for the Final Four. However, their fate is not entirely in their hands, as another loss from the current fourth-placer, Creamline, would eliminate them from the semis race.
READ: Akari keeps Final Four hopes alive with sweep of Capital1
Up next for Akari are matches against fellow semifinals contenders Chery Tiggo on April 20 and bottom-ranked Strong Group Athletics on April 27.
But regardless of what happens from hereon, Akari head coach Raffy Mosuela is already happy with the progress made by his wards in such short a time.
"Medyo may chemistry na yung team namin eh in this short period this conference. May dalawang bago and then syempre ako bago lang din ako sa team. It takes siyempre six months, mga ganun, na pwede mong makuha talaga 'yung chemistry ng team so habang paparating nang paparating kami du'n sa end of conference, du'n talaga (nabubuo 'yung chemistry).
"Medyo mabibigat 'yung (next na) kalaban namin kaya dito lang nagkakaroon ng magandang result 'yung team," said Mosuela.
Patience is key
With emerging talents such as Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo joining the roster this conference, veteran Akari player Fifi Sharma emphasized the importance of patience in the team's quest for improved outcomes.
"Undoubtedly 'yung pagde-develop ng chemistry, 'yung pag-gel ng team talaga, it takes time. Ang maganda lang siguro sa team namin is everyone is staying patient so kahit na talo kami, or kahit na maraming challenges na pumupunta sa way namin, talagang tinatrabaho pa rin namin and nagttyaga kami and everyone keeps showing up and they keep working hard," said Sharma.
"Hopefully, these remaining games, ma-showcase na namin 'yung pinaghihirapan namin these past few months."
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