Akari Chargers’ Fifi Sharma in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Behind her emergence as the top blocker of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference so far is Fifi Sharma’s meticulous planning against the opponents’ attack tendencies every game.
Sharma, a second-year pro with the Akari Charger., has been leading the blocking department with 0.69 kill blocks per set and a total of 20 blocks after nine games in the first conference.
“The main thing I prepare for every game is how to defend our opponent and how to help my team in the blocking department. As a middle blocker, that should be your top priority,” said Sharma after she scored seven points to help Akari stay in the semis hunt with a 25-17, 25-14, 25-20 win over the also-ran Capital1 on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
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The former La Salle stalwart credited her stellar showing and defensive masterpiece to coach Raffy Mosuela and his coaching staff.
“It’s a reflection of our hard work every practice and game. Coach Raffy and the other coaching staff focus on our blocking,” she said.
Sharma continues to make a strong case for one of the two Best Middle Blocker awards but an individual accoladed is not her goal as all she wants is to continue to contribute to the growth and development of the young Chargers.
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“The individual things, it’s not important. It’s just a result of my effort in practice,” the UAAP Season 85 champion said.
With Akari holding a slim chance of making it to the semifinals with a 4-5 record in seventh place, Sharma and the Chargers won’t stop until they build a stronger bond and find their rhythm as one unit, which could lead to greater things in the pros.
Akari coach Raffy Mosuela, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and Fifi Sharma after winning back-to-back games. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/eORPOjPpWp
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 11, 2024
“I agree with coach Raffy because developing team chemistry and gelling as a team, undoubtedly, really take time. Everyone is staying patient despite the losses and other challenges,” Sharma said. “Everyone keeps showing up and they keep working hard and hopefully, in these remaining games, we will be able to showcase the gains from our hardships these past few months.”
Akari continues to fight for survival against the surging Chery Tiggo on Saturday next week at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.