After stumbling early in the conference, the Akari Chargers are beginning to find their rhythm as they continue their surge in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. And for coach Tina Salak, this recent stretch of wins is a sign that the team is slowly moving in the right direction.
“We can see the light, ‘yun lang ang gusto kong sabihin. We can see the light,” Salak said after their latest victory.
Following a difficult start that saw them drop their first three matches against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, and the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the Chargers have managed to regroup and rediscover their form at a crucial point in the tournament.
Since then, Akari has strung together four consecutive victories, taking down the Nxled Chameleons, Cignal Super Spikers, Capital1 Solar Spikers, and, most recently, the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Chargers Charging Ahead
The Chargers’ turnaround has pushed them up the standings, as they currently sit in fourth place with a 4-3 win-loss record. With only a few matches left in the preliminary round, Akari is now making a strong push to secure a spot in the qualifying rounds.
However, the Chargers’ work is far from over, as they still have important matchups ahead against the Galeries Tower Highrisers and the Farm Fresh Foxies.
Despite the uncertainty earlier in the conference, Salak believes that the team’s hunger and resilience have been key factors behind their resurgence.
“Mas gusto ko ‘yung hungry sila. Kahit wala pang identity ngayon, at least nakikita natin ‘yung composure ng bawat isa,” Salak explained. “’Yung hunger kasi, hindi nasa-satisfy, walang satisfaction, so I think ‘yung identity will remain na Akari pa rin.”
Salak Wants to Raise Akari’s Level of Play
The former national team setter also emphasized her desire for the team to continue raising its standards as the conference progresses.
“Gusto ko lang din magkaroon sila ng mas mataas na standard sa level ng playing nila. Whatever works, tuloy lang. We see the light,” she ended.
