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Tag: Akari Chargers

  • Tina Salak credits bench for powering Akari Chargers’ recent winning run

    Tina Salak credits bench for powering Akari Chargers’ recent winning run

    The Akari Chargers are proving that depth matters just as much as star power. After a rocky start in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the team has surged to three consecutive wins, fueled not only by strong starters but also by an increasingly influential bench.


    Head coach Tina Salak emphasized the role of her supporting cast in stabilizing the team’s performance, pointing to the defensive structure that has become a hallmark of the Chargers’ recent victories. 

     

    “Sa training, binabalik namin lagi na kailangan namin yung bench sa game. And then, kailangan natin itiwala kasi ‘pag sa training lang natin ginagawa, hindi rin nila makikita yung support,” Salak said. 

     

    Her message resonated on the court as the Chargers overcame the Solar Spikers on Saturday, marking a critical turning point after an 0-3 start.

     

    Rookie Chen Tagaod led the charge off the bench, delivering 12 points and four excellent receptions, essentially filling the role of a starting outside hitter for three crucial sets. Her emergence highlights a growing pattern, that the Chargers are no longer relying solely on starters to dictate outcomes. 

     

    Veteran reserves like Jaja Villena and Jyne Sorreno also contributed meaningful minutes, stepping in seamlessly when the team needed coverage due to health or rotation adjustments.

     

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    Salak’s strategic approach extends beyond just rotations. By consistently integrating bench players into high-pressure drills during practice, she’s fostering trust and cohesion across the roster. 

     

    “Mas masaya kasi magkakaroon na kami ng tamang timpla. Isa rin yung bench namin. Magkakaroon na rin ng identity kasi ‘yun ang pinaka-main factor ng ginagawa namin sa training,” Salak explained, underscoring the philosophy that a team’s identity isn’t limited to its starters.

     

    The Chargers’ current streak has brought them to an even 3-3 record, a stark contrast to their opening slump, and keeps them firmly in contention for a top-four finish in the qualifying round. 

     

    The turnaround highlights the importance of a balanced roster and demonstrates how thoughtful coaching and player development can reverse a team’s fortunes mid-conference.

     

    Akari’s defensive system has become increasingly effective under Salak’s guidance, with disciplined floor coverage and strategic blocking disrupting opponents’ rhythm. 

     

    Combined with the bench stepping up, the Chargers now present a more versatile and unpredictable threat, signaling that they may be peaking at just the right time as the season reaches its critical stretch.

     

    With momentum on their side and a deepened rotation, the Akari Chargers are emerging not just as a team capable of winning games, but as a squad with a collective identity, where every player, starter or substitute can contribute to sustained success.

     

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  • Fifi Sharma ignites Akari Chargers’ revival during their recent PVL victories

    Fifi Sharma ignites Akari Chargers’ revival during their recent PVL victories

    For the Akari Chargers, that spark has come in the form of Fifi Sharma. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker has transformed into the Chargers’ emotional engine in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, turning hustle plays and net defense into statements. 


    After a rocky four-game slide to open the season, Akari needed more than adjustments — it needed fire and Sharma supplied it.

     

    In a gripping five-set victory over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12, Sharma delivered 16 points built on 11 attacks and five crucial blocks. 

     

    The win not only snapped lingering doubts but also knocked off the former league leaders, restoring belief inside the Akari camp. But Sharma’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.

     

    “Yes, super yes for me, especially kasi yun yung nakakapag-contribute, like yung energy ko sa loob ng court. Yun kasi yung nagbibigay sa akin ng purpose to play for my teammates kasi ayoko silang naaapi or ayoko silang — basta, ganun ako. Ako na lang yung mag-step up. Sige, bigay niyo na sa akin ’to, ako na yung magra—‘rawr.’ I love that!” Sharma said. 

     

    When rallies stretch and pressure mounts, Sharma has embraced the responsibility of stepping forward, not waiting for someone else to seize control.

     

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    For the former De La Salle University standout, the victory represented more than a tally in the win column.

     

    “This game talaga. I feel like monumental sa team, especially to get our momentum going, kasi nga we had a very bad start. So ngayon yung chance namin para magkaroon ng magandang momentum, and I feel like that’s my motivation playing for my teammates and contribute as much as I can to get the win,” said Sharma, the 24-year-old middle blocker.

     

    The atmosphere inside the arena amplified that surge. Special guests from the Sisters of Mary Girls Town in Cavite filled the stands with youthful energy, their cheers echoing through long rallies and late-set comebacks.

     

    “Ang saya ng laro kapag ganun yung energy when you can see the passion. ’Yun din nakatulong siya kasi apart from the people cheering, andaming nanood today,” she said. 

     

    The numbers back up the narrative. Sharma currently ranks among the league’s top 10 blockers this preliminary round, tallying 16 blocks, 57 total points, and averaging 0.76 blocks per set.

     

    Head coach Tina Salak sees the bigger picture. The comeback win highlighted not just skill, but composure.

     

    “Magandang start yung makikita mo sila in a body language na… Yun nga, sabi nila competitive and energized sila, not because of other people, because kailangan din namin makuha yun,” Salak said. 

     

    That balance between emotion and discipline may define Akari’s trajectory moving forward. The Chargers now prepare for another high-voltage encounter against the Capital1 Solar Spikers at the FilOil Centre on Saturday. 

     

     

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  • Ivy Lacsina claims PVL Player of the Week Honors after powering Akari’s breakthrough run

    Ivy Lacsina claims PVL Player of the Week Honors after powering Akari’s breakthrough run

    The early struggles of the Akari Chargers in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference demanded a response—and Ivy Lacsina stepped forward at exactly the right time.

     

    After opening the conference without a win, Akari found new life through Lacsina’s emergence as a steady offensive anchor and all-around presence. The 6-foot-1 opposite hitter delivered back-to-back 20-point performances to lift the Chargers to two crucial victories, stabilizing a campaign that risked slipping early.

     

    Her impact did not go unnoticed.

     

    For powering Akari’s breakthrough stretch, Lacsina earned unanimous selection as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of February 24 to 28.

     

    The former National University standout began her surge with a dominant showing against sister team Nxled Chameleons at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. She produced 20 points—all from attacks—alongside 10 receptions in a four-set victory that finally put the Chargers in the win column.

     

    More importantly, it marked a shift in rhythm for Akari. Lacsina’s consistency gave the team a reliable scoring option while also strengthening its defensive structure in the backcourt.

     

    She followed it up with another statement performance against the Cignal HD Spikers, delivering 20 points built on 16 kills, three blocks, and an ace, plus 11 excellent receptions in a dramatic five-set triumph. The match highlighted her evolving role—not just as a scorer, but as one of the team’s emotional stabilizers during pressure stretches.

     

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    “Mas kumapit lang ako sa kasama ko talaga, and team effort to eh. Parang ‘yun talaga, ayaw ko masayang yung pinapaguran ng teammates ko ng coaches ko, so wala nang rason para hindi ilaban,” said Lacsina.

     

    Her performances edged out a strong field of contenders that included Erika Santos, Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, Savi Davison, Bella Belen, and Sydney Niegos for the weekly honor.

     

    Despite the breakout stretch, Lacsina emphasized that Akari’s resurgence is rooted in shared leadership rather than individual scoring runs. She pointed to veteran presence from Grethcel Soltones and the team’s growing chemistry as key factors behind their improved performances.

    “Sa akin naman po ’yung naging mindset ko talaga, hindi lang bilang ate, kundi bilang leader din,” Lacsina said.

     

    “Tapos na kami sa era na si ate Grethcel lang yung ate namin. Gusto namin lahat kami mag-step up. At siyempre, nakakataas din ng confidence ’yung result ng game.”

     

    Akari now heads into its next matchup against the Capital1 Solar Spikers with renewed confidence, carrying momentum built not just on wins—but on a clearer identity centered around balance, resilience, and collective responsibility.

     

    For Lacsina, the mission remains simple: sustain the energy that revived their campaign and turn a recovery stretch into a consistent climb in the standings.

     

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  • Ivy Lacsina steers Akari to first win of the All-Filipino Conference after four-setter bout with Nxled

    Ivy Lacsina steers Akari to first win of the All-Filipino Conference after four-setter bout with Nxled

    The Akari Chargers pulled off one of the most surprising upsets of the season so far powered by Ivy Lacsina, to rout Nxled in three-sets, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22 for their first win of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference last Tuesday at the FilOil Centre. 

     

    The 26-year-old winger poured in 20 points, powering Akari to a statement victory while Ced Domingo backed her up with 17 points followed by Christine Soyud who pitched in 13 points. 

     

    Lacsina feels no resentment as she watches her former team Nxled rise into one of the PVL’s powerhouse squads, after a loaded offseason haul with veterans from last Reinforced Conference’s champion Petro Gazz. 

     

    Her own journey mirrors that evolution. After the disbandment of F2 Logistics in 2023, she found a fresh start with Nxled’s sister team Akari, channeling experience and lessons from her previous stints into leading her new team. 

     

    The matchup against Nxled, now laden with MVP-caliber talent, offered a rare mix of nostalgia and vindication.

     

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    “Ako, bilang du’n talaga ako nag-start, masarap sa feeling na makalaban sila kasi, alam mo ‘yun, siyempre ‘yung pride na dinadala mo, nandu’n,” Lacsina said. 

     

    Her words capture the essence of her mindset that this isn’t about rivalry. It’s about growth, learning, and shared progress between sister teams under the same corporate banner. 

     

    The focus isn’t on old scores but on collective elevation, with both Akari and Nxled aiming to assert themselves as title contenders.

     

    “Kung anuman ‘yung natutunan ko sa mga naging teammates ko du’n, siyempre, dinala ko dito sa Akari.”

     

    The results speak for themselves. Lacsina’s scoring prowess energized the Chargers, giving them the confidence and momentum to shake off previous setbacks. 

     

    The win was not only a statement on the court but also a personal affirmation — a testament to how far both she and her former team have come.

     

    Akari finally ended its three-match slide, climbing to a 1-3 record, while Nxled suffered consecutive setbacks, falling to 3-2.

     

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  • Tina Salak embraces lessons from losses as Akari secures first All-Filipino win

    Tina Salak embraces lessons from losses as Akari secures first All-Filipino win

    Tina Salak is facing one of the sternest tests of her young coaching career, navigating a difficult start to the 2026 season while steering two programs in separate competitions — the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League and Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

     

    Balancing dual coaching responsibilities is demanding under any circumstances. Doing so amid a string of losses only heightens the pressure.

     

    Salak saw her two squads combine for just one win through her first six games at the helm this season. The early struggles tested both systems and morale, particularly for the Chargers, who opened their 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign in a slump. But on Tuesday, February 24, relief finally came.

     

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    Akari snapped its skid in emphatic fashion, defeating the Nxled Chameleons, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, at the FilOil Centre. The four-set victory not only marked the Chargers’ first win of the conference, but also ended Salak’s personal losing streak across both the professional and collegiate ranks.

     

    For the 49-year-old tactician, the win was a welcome breakthrough — but not a moment for complacency.

     

    “‘Yung mindset ko kasi iba. Kung talo, talo. Accountable kami sa mga talo. Pero naniniwala akong kahit natalo kami, marami kaming nagiging takeaways du’n sa mga talo. We learn sa 0-3 start namin dito and du’n sa UAAP,” Salak said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    True to her reputation as one of Philippine volleyball’s most respected figures, Salak emphasized responsibility over excuses. Rather than dwell on the setbacks, she framed the early-season turbulence as part of a longer developmental process for both teams — one that demands patience, resilience, and trust.

    The former national team stalwart understands that rebuilding chemistry and refining systems take time, especially when working with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. With FEU competing in the high-intensity UAAP environment and Akari battling seasoned PVL squads, the learning curve has been steep.

     

    Still, Salak remains unwavering in her belief in her players.

     

    “I believe kasi du’n sa mga players ko. Hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw para sa kanila. Nandu’n ako para sa kanila, hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw ako. Diretso lang, diretso lang nang diretso,” she added.

     

    Her words reflect a leadership style rooted in steadiness and presence. Beyond crafting rotations and in-game adjustments, Salak has taken on the role of mentor — guiding her athletes through adversity, reinforcing confidence, and instilling accountability within the locker room.

     

    Against Nxled, that faith translated into sharper execution and improved composure in key stretches. Akari controlled the tempo early, survived a third-set hiccup, and regained focus in the fourth behind disciplined floor defense and timely attacks. More importantly, the Chargers showed poise — a trait that had eluded them during their skid.

     

    The breakthrough victory could serve as a turning point as Akari seeks to climb the standings in the All-Filipino Conference. Momentum, after all, can be fragile in a tournament as competitive as the PVL, and sustaining it will be the next challenge.

     

    Salak and the Chargers will have little time to celebrate, with a sterner test looming against the Cignal Super Spikers on Saturday, February 28, once again at the FilOil Centre. The matchup offers an opportunity not only to build on their first win, but also to demonstrate tangible growth from the hard lessons of their early-season setbacks.

     

    For Salak, the mission remains clear: stay the course, trust the process, and keep moving forward — “diretso lang nang diretso.”

     

     

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  • “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans opened their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on a high note, delivering a confident straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    Anchored by a strong collective effort, the Flying Titans showed early poise and balance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep conference run. Leading the charge was former PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina, who made a much-anticipated return to indoor volleyball and immediately reminded fans of her all-around brilliance.

     

    Rondina finished with 16 points in her first indoor match in over eight months, providing timely scoring, energy, and leadership for Choco Mucho. Beyond the numbers, her presence on the court gave the Flying Titans a much-needed emotional and tactical boost, especially in crucial moments of the second and third sets when Akari threatened to gain momentum.

     

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    What made the season opener even more meaningful for the 29-year-old Rondina was the opportunity to share the court once again with former University of Santo Tomas teammate Eya Laure, rekindling a partnership that once electrified the collegiate ranks.

     

    “I’m happy because I really missed playing indoors again with Choco Mucho, and it’s even better now that I get to play with Eya Laure. Like the coach said, hopefully this continues, even though there’s still a lot of work to be done. We will take it one game at a time,” Rondina said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Rondina’s return to indoor play comes after a historic stint in beach volleyball, where she etched her name in Philippine sports history by winning the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. While the triumph elevated her status as one of the country’s most versatile volleyball stars, it also meant a lengthy adjustment period back to the faster pace and physical demands of indoor competition.

    The Cebuana admitted that the transition was far from easy, especially with a compressed timetable leading into the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “Honestly, it was really hard for me, especially adjusting back to indoor play, since I was supposed to have two months to adapt. I only found out later that the All-Filipino Conference would be in January. I could have taken a break, but I chose not to because once I knew the AFC was coming up, I went straight into adaptation.

     

    “After the SEA Games, it was just one day off and then straight back to adapting for indoor volleyball. So that hunger to come back was still there. I’m just happy that, somehow, I was able to show something and perform again indoors,” she added.

     

    Despite the physical and mental challenges, Rondina’s performance against Akari suggested that her trademark explosiveness and competitiveness remain intact. Her ability to score in transition, stabilize the defense, and provide veteran composure proved vital as Choco Mucho controlled the tempo throughout the match.

     

    A native of Compostela, Cebu, Rondina also expressed gratitude for being reunited with head coach Dante Alinsunurin, whom she credits as a key figure in her development. Having missed the last two PVL conferences, the Flying Titans’ star emphasized how much she valued returning to a familiar system and leadership style.

     

    “What I really missed was coach Dante. For eight months, I was listening to English all the time, and now it’s Tagalog again. I also missed his guidance. He has so much patience with us, and we will make sure to work properly and improve on what we still need to improve,” Rondina concluded.

     

    With the opening win in the books, Rondina and the Flying Titans will enjoy a brief rest before turning their attention to their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to face the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, as they look to build momentum early in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Faith Nisperos ‘really excited’ to suit up again for Akari after long injury layoff

    Faith Nisperos ‘really excited’ to suit up again for Akari after long injury layoff

    Former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Faith Nisperos is set to make her long-awaited return to competitive action for the Akari Chargers in the upcoming 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, following an extended absence due to a serious knee injury.

     

    The former UAAP star was sidelined for the entirety of last year’s PVL On Tour preseason tournament as well as the Reinforced Conference, a frustrating stretch that tested Nisperos both physically and mentally. The injury not only halted her momentum on the court but also forced her into an unfamiliar role—watching from the sidelines as her team battled through the season without her.

     

    Despite the challenges, the 26-year-old outside hitter credited her Akari teammates for helping her navigate the long road to recovery. Nisperos shared that the constant support she received during rehabilitation played a crucial role in keeping her motivated during one of the most difficult periods of her career.

     

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    “I will be suiting up for this conference, so I’m so excited. It’s been tough. ‘Yun nga, I was sidelined kasi nga I’m injured. Now that I’m back, I’m really happy kasi I got the support of my teammates. They were supportive of me, and they were always cheering me on during rehab,” Nisperos said in a media interaction.

    While the physical toll of injury was significant, Nisperos admitted that the emotional strain of being unable to compete alongside her teammates was equally difficult. Still, she found ways to turn the experience into a learning opportunity, gaining new insights by observing the game from a different vantage point.

     

    “Siyempre, ‘di naman maiiwasan yung want as an athlete to be part of the team playing talaga. As I was outside watching them play, it was still productive for me kasi ang dami kong natutunan – new perspective for me,” she added.

     

    Now cleared to return, Nisperos is eager to translate those lessons into impact on the court. She believes that the time spent watching and analyzing from the sidelines has given her a deeper understanding of the game and an added edge as she rejoins the Chargers’ rotation.

     

    “Siyempre, nandyan yung motivation, the extra motivation. From watching sa side tapos not even be able to do anything volleyball-related, sobrang bago sa akin yung gano’ng experience. Now that I’m back, I’m just really excited. All the learnings na nakuha ko from just watching, I think I can apply naman this time,” she concluded.

     

    Nisperos’ return comes at a crucial time for Akari, who will be looking to make a strong statement early in the All-Filipino Conference. The Chargers open their campaign against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan—setting the stage for Nisperos’ much-anticipated comeback under the bright lights once more.

     

     

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  • Akari bolsters depth ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference with three key signings

    Akari bolsters depth ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference with three key signings

    Akari is choosing reinforcement over reinvention as it gears up for the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, quietly assembling a roster built on balance, flexibility, and insurance against last season’s setbacks.

     

    The Chargers made that intent clear on Saturday by unveiling three additions in Cza Carandang, Judith Abil, and Jyne Soreño—moves that address specific gaps exposed during a campaign derailed by injuries yet salvaged by a hard-earned bronze medal in the Reinforced Conference.

     

    Carandang arrives as a timely solution up front. Coming from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo side, the middle blocker brings much-needed size and presence at the net, giving Akari a stronger frontline rotation alongside Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma following the departure of Ezra Madrigal. 

     

    Her inclusion allows the Chargers to sustain pressure in the middle without overloading their primary options.

     

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    Abil, meanwhile, adds a layer of versatility that often separates playoff teams from title contenders. The former Cignal standout has built a reputation as a dependable all-around contributor—capable of filling multiple roles and delivering in high-leverage moments—making her a valuable stabilizer in a lineup that struggled to stay intact last season.

     

    Soreño completes the trio as a spark plug off the bench. The eighth overall pick in the previous draft, she previously thrived in a reserve role with Chery Tiggo, where her ability to provide instant offense proved crucial. 

     

    That same scoring pop is expected to give Akari more flexibility in managing rotations and late-set situations.

     

    Taken together, the signings reflect a calculated response to last year’s lessons. Akari proved it could compete even while shorthanded; now, with improved depth and the promise of a healthier roster, the Chargers are positioning themselves to turn resilience into consistency when the All-Filipino Conference begins.

     

    Rather than chasing headlines, Akari has focused on fit—and with the pieces now in place, the Chargers believe they are better equipped to make a deeper run in the season ahead.

     

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  • Akari turns the page as Ezra Madrigal, Cams Victoria exit ahead of 2026 PVL Season

    Akari turns the page as Ezra Madrigal, Cams Victoria exit ahead of 2026 PVL Season

    Change has finally arrived for Akari, and it comes at a symbolic moment in the Chargers’ young PVL history.

     

    Fresh off a bronze medal finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference, the Chargers have confirmed the departures of two familiar faces—Ezra Madrigal and Cams Victoria—marking the team’s first major offseason shakeup heading into the 2026 Premier Volleyball League season.

     

    For a franchise that leaned heavily on continuity during its early years, the move signals a conscious shift from building around familiarity to actively redefining its identity.

     

    Madrigal’s exit, in particular, closes a foundational chapter. A member of Akari’s original PVL roster when the team debuted in 2022, the 5-foot-11 Far Eastern University product became a fixture in the middle during the Chargers’ formative seasons. 

     

    Her presence helped stabilize a young squad navigating its way through the league’s import-heavy era.

     

    Her tenure with Akari, however, is remembered not only for on-court contributions but also for being entwined with one of the PVL’s most debated moments. During the 2024 Reinforced Conference semifinals against PLDT, a net-touch call involving Madrigal in the deciding fifth set ignited controversy, eventually leading to a successful protest and an overturned ruling.

     

    More than a year later, that incident now stands as a historical footnote to a chapter that has officially closed.

     

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    Madrigal leaves behind a résumé that includes two bronze medals and a runner-up finish, along with a noticeable void in Akari’s middle blocker rotation. 


    That responsibility now shifts to Alas Pilipinas standout Fifi Sharma, who is set to anchor the frontline alongside Ced Domingo and developing middle Jamaica Villena.


    Victoria’s departure, meanwhile, reflects a quieter but equally meaningful transition. The former University of Santo Tomas standout joined the Chargers in 2023 and steadily carved out her role as a dependable opposite hitter. Initially backing up veteran Eli Soyud, the 6-foot-1 attacker later became part of a deeper right-side rotation that featured emerging scorer Steph Bustrillo.


    With both Madrigal and Victoria moving on, Akari’s roster evolution under head coach Tina Salak officially begins in earnest. 


    Beyond selections made in the 2025 PVL Draft, this offseason represents Salak’s first true chance to reshape the team, stepping away from a largely untouched core and toward a lineup built with long-term contention in mind.


    As the Chargers set their sights on 2026, the message is clear: Akari is no longer content with incremental progress. The next phase will be defined by deliberate change—and the departures of two long-time contributors are the first signs of that shift. 


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