Akari Chargers’ Ivy Lacsina in the PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ivy Lacsina is bringing experience and the strength she had built from her challenging early years in the pros as she and the Akari Chargers compete in their first PVL finals.
Lacsina delivered 19 points as Akari staved off PLDT in an intense yet controversial end game, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, to reach the 2024 Reinforced Conference final on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The 24-year-old wing spiker, who turned pro two years ago after leading National University to a perfect title run in the UAAP Season 84, is making her first championship game appearance against the seasoned Creamline on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: Akari, albeit in a controversial way, streaks to its first PVL finals
“We’re super excited and very happy to have made it here, especially considering how strong all the other teams are. At the same time, we always remind ourselves to enjoy every game. We really help each other out,” said Lacsina, who was emotional after their finals-clinching win.
It has been but fulfilling journey for Lacsina in her first title game. Let’s take a look back:
Months after ending a 65-year title drought of NU with Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and her batchmates Cess Robles and Jennifer Nierva, Lacsina took the leap and signed with F2 Logistics.
The 6-foot-1 showed her versatility as a middle blocker and spiker, helping the Cargo Movers to a pair of semis appearances last year with a bronze medal in the first All-Filipino — the franchise’s best finish in the PVL.
However, F2 Logistics disbanded last December, which led to Lacsina’s fresh start at Nxled.
READ: PVL: Joining familiar names makes it easy for Ivy Lacsina at Akari
Lacsina continued to scratch the surface under Japanese coach Taka Minowa, leading the Chameleons despite not being 100-percent healthy.
Just after one conference, Lacsina had to adjust anew as she and core Nxled players with Minowa were shipped to sister team Akari.
Filling in the needs of sister teams seemed to work for the Chargers, who unleashed their best start in the league with an eight-game sweep of the elimination round.
Lacsina emerged as the top local player of the Chargers with Grethcel Soltones and import Oly Okaro also leading the way.
Every game proved to be a tough challenge for Akari despite the unbeaten record, especially in the semifinals where it needed to overcome a 1-2 match disadvantage in their comeback victory overshadowed by a controversial unsuccessful net fault challenge of PLDT.
READ: PVL: Lethal 1-2-3 punch has made Akari untouchable
“In all the five-set matches we’ve played, this one was the hardest but the most memorable because we knew that PLDT is a very strong team with veteran players,” Lacsina said. “At the same time, we managed to pull through thanks to the help of our coaches and our teamwork.”
Despite the match being tainted by a controversial call that led too PLDT’s protest, Lacsina still cherished her duel with her F2 teammates Majoy Baron and Kim Fajardo, whom she will always be grateful for.
“It’s really tough playing against my ‘ates’ from F2 because they are veterans and very smart players. The sets from Ate Kimmy were really hard to chase,” said Lacsina. “But I’m super happy to be on the court with them again, even if we’re wearing different jerseys.”
With just one game left for Akari’s first title, the former NU star is focused on the keys to their first 10 wins: teamwork and coach Taka’s system.
“We’re just focused on working hard and sticking to the plan and the system. We’re not thinking about anything else. If the Lord grants us the win this season, that would be a bonus. The important thing is that we gave it our all this season,” Lacsina said.