PVL: Taka Minowa relieved to steer Akari to breakthrough semis

MANILA, Philippines — Akari coach Taka Minowa slumped onto the taraflex after the Chargers finally made their breakthrough PVL semifinals appearance in their sixth conference in the professional scene.

Minowa, the Japanese coach who was sent to the Chargers from the Nxled Chameleons with his core players, was then carried by his coaching staff to celebrate Akari’s 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 win over Farm Fresh in the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals on Saturday.

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The Japanese coach said he was overcome with emotions after keeping Akari unbeaten in nine games and finally reach the Final Four in their sixth conference in the PVL

Minowa admitted that being sent to the Chargers was a daunting task for him — and their unscathed run made the load heavier.

READ: Ran Takahashi swings by PVL quarterfinals, inspires Akari players

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“About my emotions, I told Ivy [Lacsina] also the last conference, we will work on it together — they know about my emotions. Since I came here to Akari, there’s a lot of pressure, every time,” said Minowa, who came to Akari with Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, Dani Ravena, and Cams Victoria during a midseason switch between sister teams.

“Even like, just going to the game, 5-0, 8-0, makes me feel pressured. It’s very crucial because this team is unbeaten.”

Minowa believes the key to Akari’s success so far is having a good mix of players, led by the trio of Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, and Oly Okaro.

“We have a lot of good players. And I’m so happy,” Minowa said. “It was a team effort. I think, especially these three players, sometimes Oly cannot get a point, Greta will get a point, and also when the two of them can’t get a point, Ivy can get a point. That’s the most important thing, we have three good players.”

Okaro and Soltones delivered 17 points apiece from 16 attack points each to overcome a first-set loss to Farm Fresh, as Lacsina added 12 points to book a semis game against the winner between the PLDT-Chery Tiggo quarterfinal game.

Lacsina, who is making her return to the semifinals since her last with the defunct F2 Logistics last year, said the Chargers are thriving in the perfect mix of mature and young players with Cal working with team captain Michelle Cobb in setting up the plays, middle blockers Ced Domingo and Victoria manning the frontline, and liberos Ravena and Max Juangco taking care of the floor.

“Akari has a lot of mature players, who have been setting a good example for us younger players. Every game we mature and strengthen our composure with the help of our ates,” said Lacsina in Filipino.

READ: PVL: Akari Chargers know job not done yet after prelims sweep

“We were able to handle the pressure because ate Grethcel and others have been helping us handle it. I know that the expectations and pressure keep getting higher for our team but someone from our team is always there to tap you and encourage you that you can do it.”

Okaro was also thrilled to contribute to Akari’s recent success and help her Filipino teammates overcome pressure.

“It means a lot to me because I came here wanting to make an impact, I think that’s what all the imports come trying to do. But, it’s really nice because I work hard and I try to make sure that I’m getting better for myself but for the team as well,” said the American

. “Knowing that the results are showing and that together, collectively, we’re getting closer and closer to the goals that we have in mind, it’s really nice to see them, see the results starting to come.”

Soltones wouldn’t want to spoil their celebration but she reminds her team that there is still a story to finish and they can’t settle for a historic maiden PVL semis appearance.

“Siguro for others, historic na siya pero kasi hangga’t hindi pa namin nahahawakan yung trophy, wala pa kaming napapatunayan,” said the do-it-all spiker. “Kailangan pa naming ma-improve as a team. Like yung mga games na naghahabol kami ng set, yun yung naging problema namin. Kailangan first set pa lang, kailangan may magstep up agad.”

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