Akari Chargers’ Fifi Sharma.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Fifi Sharma can’t wait to team up with her inspiration Ced Domingo, who will join Akari later this year in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Sharma shared that she’s been watching Domingo’s highlights since her college days at La Salle as she marvels at the star middle blocker’s game.
“Very excited because when I was playing in the UAAP I usually use her as a reference, inspiration because she’s one of the best middle blockers in the PVL,” the Akari middle blocker told reporters in the PVL Media Day on Sunday. “I always watch her highlights to get tips and techniques because we almost have the same height and I can incorporate her techniques.”
This time, the 5-foot-11 Sharma will be manning the Chargers’ frontline together with Domingo, the former PVL Best Middle Blocker, who arrives in March after her stint with Nakhon Ratchasima in the Thailand Volleyball League.
“I’m so excited because I get to work alongside her this conference,” Sharma said.
“I feel like this conference we’re more equipped to play against other teams because we’ve had time to jell and to build closer relationships with each other so I think this conference, it will manifest more inside the court,” she added.
Aside from Domingo, Akari also signed Grethcel Soltones and libero Max Juangco after Justine Jazareno took a leave of absence due to pregnancy while promoting Raffy Mosuela as interim coach and tapping Taka Minowa as program director.
“The adjustment period wasn’t that long kasi we already knew coach Raffy and we know that he’s a very respected coach in the volleyball community. We like him and we’re excited to do our best to show people na he’s a really really good coach,” Sharma said. “
More than reaching greater heights this season, Sharma seeks to prove that Akari can play as one good unit.
“Aside from aiming for the championship title, one of our goals is we’re as one like we want to prove ourselves and to each and everyone that we work well as a team. We want to grow closer with each other,” she said.