PVL: Ced Domingo says coach, newcomers key to Akari’s best start

Ced Domingo and the Akari Chargers.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Ced Domingo attributed Akari’s franchise-best start to Japanese coach Taka Minowa and the team’s newcomers in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Domingo helped the Chargers a complete five-game Pool B sweep to end the opening round with 10 points, providing a game-high four kill blocks to hand the Cignal HD Spikers their first defeat, 15-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-22, on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

The veteran middle blocker believes it’s Minowa’s system and the arrival of go-to scorers Ivy Lacsina and Oly Okaro as well as setter Kamille Cal, Cams Victoria, and Dani Ravena after the Japanese and local players were shipped to Akari from a deal with sister team Nxled before the midseason tournament.

READ: PVL: Akari topples Cignal to sweep Pool B

Akari players on the key to their early success. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/wPZd1kzjyV

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 6, 2024

“I must say it’s really Coach Taka and his system, and also yung mga nadagdag sa team naming mga players, like Ivy, Kamuy, Dani, and Cams. Very big help talaga sila in this new Akari team,” said Domingo. “I guess major changes na nangyari [but] kita naman na it’s really working and everyone is trusting the system.”

The former PVL Best Middle Blocker joined Akari last conference after four years with Creamline and a stint with Nakhon Ratchasima club in the Volleyball Thailand League early this year. But they placed seventh with a 5-6 record.

Domingo said she has already adapted to the new environment amid the major roster shake-up as the Chargers matched their five wins in as many games.

READ: PVL: Akari racks up 4th straight win with rout of ZUS Coffee

“When it comes to professional level, you have to be able to be ready for changes and learn to adapt. I’ve been through a lot of changes in my career so I guess, etong recent change na ‘to, hindi naman sa bago, but I think, may experiences na ako and I know what to do when those changes come,” she said.

Despite the strong start, the Far Eastern University product stressed that they still have things to work on heading into Pool D, where they will face the bottom squads from Pool A, seeking to qualify for the knockout quarterfinals. 

“Definitely not [yet polished]. But I’m happy that we’re getting there and I’m happy din na every game lahat kaming mga players are really evolving and trusting the system of Coach Taka. So it’s a good sign going into the next round,” Domingo said.