PVL: Joining familiar names makes it easy for Ivy Lacsina at Akari

FILE–Nxled Chameleon’s Ivy Lacsina, center, during a PVL game against Capital1.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ivy Lacsina admitted she felt mixed emotions moving from Nxled to Akari after playing just one conference.

But Lacsina added she understood the management’s decision, accepting the changes and warm welcome of the Chargers ahead of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference starting on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

“Siyempre na-sad ako kasi naging attached na ako sa Nxled and talagang parang second home ko na ‘yung Nxled,” Lacsina told reporters in the PVL Rookie Draft on Monday at Novotel.

READ: New-look Akari taps American import Oly Okaro

Ivy Lacsina on joining the Akari Chargers. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ycebWPx2Js

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 10, 2024

“Na-sad pero excited kasi siyempre kahit naman maging ayoko wala din akong choice kasi management ‘yon. So kung ano naman ‘yung makakabuti sa management and sa teams,” she added.

It wasn’t hard for Lacsina to adjust to her third PVL team as she joined familiar faces in coach Taka Minowa and fellow former Chameleons Kamille Cal, Cams Victoria, and Dani Ravena after the sister squads switched players and coaches with Bang Pineda, Jaja Maraguinot, and Trisha Genesis being sent to Nxled.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat was also supposed to be part of the deal but she opted out of the team and signed with Choco Mucho.

“Naging happy din ako pagdating ko ng Akari kasi sobrang welcomed ko talaga nila ate Mich [Cobb], Ced [Domingo],” Lacsina said. “Parang minimal lang naman ‘yung mga in-adjust ko pagdating sa teammates kasi yung iba naming coaches, nakasama ko na sa Nxled so hindi naman ako masyadong nahirapan.”

READ: PVL: Ivy Lacsina reveals tension with setters as part of Nxled adjustment

The 6-foot-2 spiker relished her connection with setter and captain Michelle Cobb and she can’t wait for her on-court reunion with Nazareth School teammate Faith Nisperos, who will miss the Reinforced Conference due to her duty with Alas Pilipinas with Fifi Sharma.

“Si ate Michelle kasi super madali lapitan. Ang dali naming mag-connect. Kaya never akong nahirapan kay ate Michelle, kung ako hindi ako makapag-feedback sa kanya, siya ‘yung magsasabi sa akin, “Ivy try mo ‘to.” Para mag-work,” said the former UAAP champion out of National University. 

“Ilang years bago ko ulit makasama si Faith and nung high school talaga kami naging close kami ni Alyssa Solomon at saka ni Faith kaya ngayon siyempre excited ako,” she added.

Expect a healthier and stronger Lacsina when she bolsters Akari with Ced Domingo, Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, rookie Steph Bustrillo, and import Oly Okaro in the midseason tournament, where the Chargers are slated in Pool B with defending champion Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Cignal, Capital1, and ZUS Coffee.