Ivy Lacsina is keeping her eyes on the ultimate prize despite Akari's crucial Game 1 victory over Galeries Tower in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Saturday night.
The hard-earned win was a significant first step for the Chargers, but Lacsina stressed that the battle is far from over. For her, Akari’s journey isn’t about celebrating milestones — it’s about chasing their elusive PVL title.
"Siguro po for us po, parang hindi lang po ito 'yung kaya namin kasi lagi kaming sinasabihan ni Coach Taka (Minowa) na hindi puwedeng ma-satisfy kami kung ano nagagawa namin," said the 25-year-old outside hitter, highlighting their team's mindset of constant growth.
Akari overcame a gritty Galeries Tower squad — fresh off a stunning upset victory over Cignal in the qualifying round — in a nail-biting five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, to take a 1-0 series lead in their best-of-three quarterfinal clash.
But for Lacsina, one win isn’t enough to ease their hunger.
"Hindi porket nanalo kami titigil na kami, so para sa amin, hangga't hindi namin nagagawa 'yung pinaka-goal namin o nakukuha, hindi pa ito 'yung pinaka-gusto namin," she emphasized.
The former National University standout played a pivotal role in the victory, tying her career-best performance with a 28-point explosion built on 22 attacks and six kill blocks. Her relentless presence at the net proved crucial in neutralizing Galeries Tower’s offense.
Despite her individual brilliance, Lacsina deflected the spotlight, emphasizing the collective effort that fueled their triumph.
"Sa'kin po siguro, siyempre dun po kami babalik, 'yung hirap bago kami napunta dito kasi kung alam niyo lang kung gaano kahirap. Siguro inisip lang po namin na gagawin po namin itong laro para sa kasama po namin kasi lahat po kami nagtulungan talaga, simula sa management, coaches, and teammates," Lacsina said, praising her team's resilience.
"Kaya wala po talagang nag-iwanan, lalo na po ngayon na nagkakaroon kami ng pains sa katawan. Talagang tiyaga po at meron at meron papalit sa posisyon na 'yun na ready."
Akari had to dig deep after a sluggish start, with Lacsina joining forces with Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones to rally the team from a 1-2 set deficit. The Chargers’ spirited surge in the fourth frame reignited their confidence, setting the stage for a strong finish in the decisive fifth set.
"Siguro nung dumating kami nung fourth set tapos lamang kami, kasi siyempre tinrabaho na namin eh hanggang dun. So minindset ko lang na sa amin 'to," Lacsina recalled.
With Game 2 on the horizon, Lacsina knows the Chargers must maintain their focus and drive to achieve what has eluded them so far — a PVL championship crown.
"Hanggang hindi pa namin naaabot 'yung goal namin, hindi pa tapos ang trabaho," she said with determination.
