PVL: ‘No room for frustration’ for Ivy Lacsina, Akari Chargers

Akari Chargers’ Ivy Lacsina in the PVL All-Filipino Conference battle for third against Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After averaging just eight points in the semifinals, Ivy Lacsina broke out of her scoring slump to lead Akari a win closer to a bronze medal finish in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Lacsina, who struggled in three semifinals games, regained her lethal attacking form with 20 points to lead Akari’s reverse sweep of Choco Mucho, 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11, on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

PVL: Akari pulls off reverse sweep vs Choco Mucho, nears bronze

Admitting that pressure got the better of her, the young outside spiker played loose in her hope of propelling the Chargers to the PVL podium.

“I didn’t overthink the game today. What I changed in my mindset is just focusing on the present moment when I’m on the court so I can stay mentally fresh. In the past few games, I pressured myself too much and worried too much about the outcome. Now, I just play with a clear mind.”

Even they went down, 0-2, Lacsina and the Chargers remained patient until they forced a decider and eventually earned their second straight win against the Flying Titans, following their semis duel.

READ: PVL: Ivy Lacsina looks to regain form to help Akari in must-win

“Actually, even when we dropped the first two sets, we didn’t let frustration take over. Our mindset was, ‘no room for frustration today.’ We just needed to reset, help each other out, and trust one another.”

Lacsina credited their win to staying united, expressing hope that they can maintain their strong connection and close out the series in Game 2 on Thursday at the same venue.

“I think the key was really working together as a team during the game and our eagerness to win. We knew Choco Mucho was really eager too, so we just had to stay strong and show who really wanted to win,” she said.