TINA Salak has endured a challenging start to the 2026 season.
Across her dual coaching stints with Akari in the PVL and Far Eastern University in the UAAP, the veteran tactician managed just one win in her first six games this year before finally halting the skid with a four-set triumph over sister team Nxled on Tuesday.
Before that breakthrough, Salak’s lone victory came in the Lady Tamaraws’ 25-20, 25-14, 25-14 sweep of cellar-dwelling University of the East last week, a result that briefly offered relief amid a stretch of tough losses in both the collegiate and professional ranks.
READ: Akari shocks Nxled for first PVL All-Filipino Conference win
But for Salak, a decorated figure who has experienced both triumphs and setbacks throughout her storied career as a player and coach, early-season struggles are part of the grind.
Rather than dwell on the defeats, she chooses to embrace accountability and focus on recovering from the aftermath of each loss.
“‘Yung mindset ko kasi iba. Kung talo, talo. Accountable kami sa mga talo,” Salak said.
“Pero naniniwala akong kahit natalo kami, marami kaming nagiging takeaways du’n sa mga talo. We learn sa 0-3 start namin dito and du’n sa UAAP.”
Even in difficult stretches, Salak remains steadfast in her belief in her players.
She emphasized that her role goes beyond drawing up plays and managing rotations, stressing that her responsibility is to guide and support her athletes through both victories and adversity.
“I believe kasi du’n sa mga players ko. Hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw para sa kanila. Nandu’n ako para sa kanila, hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw ako,” she said.
Through the ups and downs of the season, the former national team standout leans on a simple philosophy that reflects her approach to coaching and life.
Because for her, setbacks do not define a team’s potential but instead help sharpen its identity and strengthen its resolve moving forward.
“Diretso lang, diretso lang nang diretso."
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