PVL: Fifi Sharma, Akari get ‘important’ win ahead of long break
Akari Chargers’ Fifi Sharma in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Fifi Sharma was happy to help the Akari Chargers overcome their “fear of losing” as they ended a three-game skid in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference before heading into the Christmas break.
Sharma stepped up when it mattered most to end the Chargers’ woes, scattering eight kills, six blocks, and two aces to finish with 16 points for a much-needed 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20 win over Chery Tiggo on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Article continues after this advertisement“I’m proud of the team as a whole kasi they overcame their fear of losing again despite na natalo kami nung first set. Na-brave namin ‘yung three more sets so ‘yun lang, overall just very happy kasi the team showed their maturity and their willingness and eagerness to win tonight,” said Sharma.
READ: PVL: Akari stops 3-game slide at expense of Chery Tiggo
Grethcel Soltones and Fifi Sharma on regaining their winning ways. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ipQ3dANeVh
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 10, 2024
The Alas Pilipinas middle blocker wanted to end the year right for the Chargers, who came into the game having lost three in a row–all in straight sets–to Creamline, Farm Fresh and Petro Gazz.
Article continues after this advertisement“It’s important for me kasi magbe-break kami eh, so I want the team to go on a break knowing na we finished good. This game will set the momentum for the next set of games so hindi kami puwedeng matalo kasi I need to contribute to the team and also make them realize na like we’re capable of winning. Kailangan lang namin talagang makuha o ma-overcome ‘yung hindi namin ma-overcome these past few games,” said Sharma.
“This is a long conference so it’s not bad to lose at the start. It’s actually good at least napagdaanan na namin and we uncover these problems early on so we can peak at the right time. This win is very important.”
READ: PVL: Petro Gazz scores tough sweep of struggling Akari
Akari’s plans for the long break. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/RGdg6XhvMJ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 10, 2024
After six games, Sharma believes the early losses have made them stronger and wiser heading to their last five first-round games next year.
“It’s good that we uncovered these problems early on kasi mahirap na siya kapag sa huli pa kami mag-crumble or magkakaroon ng mga problema. There’s no where to go but up doon sa mga games namin previously kasi ang hinahangad talaga namin is mag-improve and mag-gel pa,” she said.
Sharma and the 2024 Reinforced Conference silver medalists return to action against PLDT on January 18 at Philsports Arena.
