Ivy Lacsina is stepping up to a significant challenge in her new role with the Akari Chargers.
Recently named team captain by head coach Taka Minowa, Lacsina embraced her leadership responsibilities and played a pivotal role in Akari’s impressive debut victory over Capital1 in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
“Inassign po ako ni Coach Taka (Minowa) maging game captain. Kaya kahit may mga errors po akong na-cocommit, hindi ko po pwedeng ipakita sa mga teammates ko na naiinis ako or na-low morale ako. Kaya mindset ko po na kailangan kong mag-lead sa team," explained Lacsina.
Despite a sluggish start, Akari rallied in the fourth set to secure a 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14 win over Capital1, marking a strong beginning to their season at the Philsports Arena.
Lacsina made a notable debut, leading all scorers with 20 points, all from attacks.
“Masaya naman po kasi kahit nasa season na kami, tina-try pa rin namin i-build ‘yung connection namin sa isa’t isa. Mas napapadali siya kasi madaling kausapin ‘yung mga teammates namin," she said.
The 24-year-old wing spiker from Angeles City, Pampanga, joined Akari from Nxled, bringing along Minowa, libero Dani Ravena, middle blocker Camille Victoria, and setter Kamille Cal.
The move also saw four Chargers, including Dindin Santiago-Manabat (who later signed with Choco Mucho), transferred to the Chameleons.
Lacsina’s transition to Akari was smoothed by the familiar system under Minowa and the warm reception from her new teammates.
“Same naman po yung naging sistema ni coach Taka pagdating niya sa Akari. ‘Yung mga naging adjustments ko lang po pagdating ko sa Akari is yung sa teammates po,” said the former NU Lady Bulldog.
“May mga ates din po kami dito so parang yun talaga yung kailangang ibuild na connections. Mas dumali naman siya kasi nandyan sina Cams (Victoria), sina Dani (Ravena), sina Kamuy (Cal) na nakasama ko na dati so tinulungan din nila ako."
