Akari's middle blocker tandem, Fifi Sharma and Ced Domingo, orchestrated a block party on Saturday night that left their opponents, Nxled, reeling in defeat.
Their formidable presence at the net propelled the Chargers to a resounding straight-set victory in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The duo, standing tall above the net, showcased their prowess against the Chameleons, collectively notching eight of the team's 12 blocks in a commanding 25-17, 25-19, 25-20 triumph at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Sharma led the charge with an impressive six rejections, amassing a game-high 13 points. Meanwhile, the 5-foot-9 Domingo contributed two crucial kill blocks and supported Sharma with 12 markers, demonstrating their undeniable synergy on the court.
For Sharma, having Domingo as her partner-in-crime was a source of immense satisfaction, citing Domingo's unwavering intensity as a driving force for their success.
"Of course, I'm very happy because I'm confident that as I rotate, she comes in, it's the same intensity inside the court. As I mentioned before, I admire Ate Celine, and it's great for the team that we work so well together," Sharma remarked after their stellar performance.
Akari head coach Raffy Mosuela strategically instructed setter Michelle Cobb to prioritize feeding Sharma and Domingo early in the game—a tactic that proved pivotal in securing the Chargers' victory.
"I told them to focus on the middle first. Fortunately, we had good receptions most of the time, so that was my main instruction: activate the middle blocker," Mosuela explained.
"Our preparation paid off, especially emphasizing the middle blockers in our blocking strategies. It definitely worked," he added with a sense of pride.
Reflecting on the team's collective effort, Sharma emphasized the significance of the win following their previous setback against Petro Gazz.
"It's a significant win for us because everyone worked together diligently. We've put in a lot of effort over the past few weeks, so to secure a victory like this feels truly rewarding," Sharma expressed.
"This victory is a testament to our collective preparation and trust in the system. Hard work truly pays off, and today's performance is a testament to that," she concluded.
