MONTALBAN, RIZAL — In a match that tested both resolve and rhythm, Tina Salak’s first official game as head coach of the Akari Chargers ended in triumph—but not without turbulence.
Salak, a celebrated former setter and now a dual-role mentor balancing duties between Akari and Far Eastern University, finally suited up on the sidelines in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League On Tour after missing the team’s opening losses to Creamline and Cignal in Vigan. And though her return sparked a gritty five-set victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Saturday at the Ynares Center, she made it clear: this win was just a small step in a longer journey.
“Actually, na-surprise rin ako, na-surprise rin ako sa performance ng team, kasi kakabalik ko lang from vacation,” Salak admitted after Akari eked out a 26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 17-25, 17-15 escape.
Salak’s immediate impression? Resilience. Despite an erratic showing and squandering a two-set lead, the Chargers dug deep to clinch their first win of the conference and improve to 1-2 in Pool B.
“‘Yung [expectation] namin hindi ganoon kataas, but ‘yung resiliency nakita ko. Malaking factor ‘yun sa team, ‘yun din naman ‘yung kailangan namin at this point,” she added.
Salak inherited a team that’s seen its share of transitions. In just three years, Akari has cycled through four head coaches—Jorge De Brito, Raffy Mosuela, Taka Minowa, and now, Salak. That kind of instability leaves scars, especially in a sport that thrives on timing, trust, and communication.
“‘Yung immediate goal namin magkaroon kami ng relationship, maayos muna namin. Kasi, ‘yung timing din hindi rin maganda,” Salak explained. “Umalis ako, bumalik ako, then may laro. Parang hindi rin namin maba-balance kung saan kami magsisimula.”
For Salak, establishing chemistry is not just a matter of volleyball systems—it’s about emotional investment and buy-in. Without a shared sense of trust, she knows the Xs and Os will fall flat.
“So, siguro ‘yun muna—‘yung relationship muna ayusin namin. And then, makita namin ‘yung trust. I-trust namin ‘yung isa’t isa. Madali kasi kapag napa-tiwala, madali nang mapa-sunod. Mapapagaan ‘yung trabaho.”
Fortunately for Salak, the seeds of her system are already sprouting. Former FEU standouts Chenie Tagaod and Max Juangco—both of whom flourished under her guidance in the UAAP—are now key figures in the Akari rotation. Their familiarity with Salak’s tempo, mindset, and defensive discipline has helped bridge the gap between old habits and new culture.
“Medyo mahirap ‘yung transition namin. Especially doon sa situation ng team. Pero, actually ‘yung transition kasi hindi naman magiging madali para sa lahat,” said the former Queen Tamaraw. “Definitely, mapapadali naman ‘yan dahil sa mga kasama mo sa team.”
It’s a promising sign for a squad still searching for its identity—and stability. After back-to-back losses to heavyweights, Saturday’s win wasn’t just a boost in the standings; it was a morale win, a sigh of relief, and a glimpse of what could be.
“Very thankful sa team members, especially doon sa players na winelcome kami sa Akari,” she shared. “Winelcome din nila ‘yung sistema. Magkakaroon lang talaga ng malaking adjustments para sa kanila to accept. Pero nandoon na eh, nakikita naman natin eh. Unti-unti lang.”
