By CHRISTAN SALVAÑA
After a rough start to the revamped Premier Volleyball League season, Akari finally rediscovered how to win again and savor the sweet taste of it.
It was so special as it came at the expense of sister team and much fancied Nxled via a 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22 win in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City, snapping a three-game skid and injecting hope into their campaign.
Akari head coach Cristina Salak shared her thoughts after the team’s first win following a 0-3 start and remains optimistic about turning their season around.
“Marami kaming adjustments na ginawa para sa game na ’to, hopefully ’yung chemistry namin today ma-carry over namin sa next games. Alam naman natin na hindi maganda ’yung start namin, so at least may opportunity pa kami, marami pang chance na maayos namin lahat and mas maganda pa ’yung result namin,” said Salak.
Meanwhile, Ivy Lacsina and Celine Domingo echoed their coach’s sentiments, pointing to key improvements that led to their breakthrough win.
“Siguro isa na din sa mas namamaster ng team ngayon is ’yung composure namin, especially kapag dikitan ’yung score, and siguro ’yung maturity talaga,” said Lacsina, who led Akari with 20 points and 10 excellent receptions.
“Going into this match, with us not having a great start to the season, personal mindset ko lang is to do my job and the rest will follow. Siguro we hold on to each other lang talaga, ’yun ’yung motivation namin sa team,” Domingo added.
Brooke Van Sickle paced Nxled with 16 points, while Myla Pablo and Mar Jana Phillips chipped in 14 and 12, respectively, in the loss.
Akari will try to sustain its momentum when it faces top team Cignal on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the same venue.
