PVL: Chenie Tagaod excited to work with Tina Salak anew at Akari

Akari Chargers PVL Rookie Draft pick Chenie Tagaod. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIReR.net

MANILA, Philippines — After Far Eastern University fell short in the past two UAAP Final Four series against champion National University, Chenie Tagaod hopes to complete unfinished business with coach Tina Salak at Akari.

Tagaod was the Chargers’ 10th overall pick, arranging an instant reunion with Salak, the new Akari coach, in the PVL.

READ: PVL: Chenie Tagaod aims to carry FEU pride into Rookie Draft

The all-around outside spiker from FEU said she is determined to make the most of the opportunity given by her college coach.

“Of course, I’m super happy because I know how strong Coach T’s trust in me is. I’m excited to work with her again. I already know how she trains and how she runs a team, so I think that’s going to be an advantage for me since I understand her style,” said Tagaod in Filipino.

For the past two UAAP seasons, the Lady Tamaraws pushed the Lady Bulldogs to their limits in the Final Four but it couldn’t get enough push to reach the championship round.

READ: Tina Salak now has reins as Akari chases maiden PVL crown

Salak is on a similar mission to get Akari over the hump on getting over the hump after ex-Japanese coach Taka Minowa steered the team to a breakthrough championship game against Creamline in the Reinforced Conference and led the franchise to a bronze in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.

Tagaod is set to provide the Chargers’ star-studded team, led by Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo, Grethcel Soltones, and Most Improved Player Eli Soyud, an additional boost.

“Hopefully, we can finally get that win. That’s always been her message, we have to work hard for it, because it’s not easy to achieve,” she said.

Interestingly, Tagaod can make her PVL debut on June 22 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, against her partner Ishie Lalong Isip and the Cignal HD Spikers. 

“I’m excited! I also feel like I’ll learn more, even from her. I’ve learned a lot from Ishie, especially since she entered the PVL before me. So I’m really excited—and good luck to both of us,” she said.