Akari cautious with stars’ return before playoffs

Akari is proceeding carefully as it nears the final stretch of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, closely monitoring the recovery of key players Ivy Lacsina and Faith Nisperos.

Lacsina (back) and Nisperos (knee) have yet to see action this conference, and with their final elimination match against Choco Mucho approaching – a game that could determine their quarterfinal bid – the Chargers are in no hurry to rush them back.

“For me, siguro no pressure muna,” said head coach Tina Salak after Akari’s pivotal win over Nxled that boosted their playoff chances.

Salak said that while both players are eager to return, the team’s focus is on ensuring their complete recovery and avoiding any setbacks.

“Ivy and Faith, medyo matagal pa yung recovery,” Salak said. “Still, yung emotions pa rin nila nakikita natin na gusto na eh. But still, yung body, physically, hindi pa ready.”

“Medyo half-hearted lang sila kasi gusto na nilang makapag-contribute and yet, di pa sila ready,” she added.

Asked if the two could return by the quarterfinals, Salak remained cautious but expressed hope.

“Antayin natin, let’s see,” she said.

“Maging patient na lang tayo. I don’t want to hold back na magkaroon tayo ng pushbacks sa mga ganyan kasi maganda yung recovery ng mga yan ngayon. Nakikita natin may progress. Sooner or later makikita natin, any day. Soon.”

Lacsina has been nursing recurring back problems since the PVL On Tour, while Nisperos missed the entire preseason and international duty with Alas Pilipinas due to a knee injury.