Ivy Lacsina continues to shine for Akari as they head into the finals

MANILA, Philippines — Ivy Lacsina is using the experience and strength she gained during the difficult early years of her professional career to take her Akari Chargers to their first PVL Finals.

Lacsina scored 19 points as Akari held off PLDT in a close but controversial final match 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 to reach the final of the 2024 Enhanced Conference held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

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The 24-year-old winger, who turned professional two years ago after leading National University to a perfect title in UAAP Season 84, will make her first championship appearance against a seasoned Creamline team on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: Akari, albeit controversially, advanced to the PVL finals for the first time in history

“We’re super excited and really happy to be here, especially considering how strong all the other teams are. At the same time, we always remind ourselves to enjoy every game. We really help each other,” said Lacsina, who was emotional after the victory that secured their place in the final.

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It was a satisfying journey for Lacsina in her first title match. Let’s take a look:

A few months after ending a 65-year hiatus from winning titles at NU with Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and her yearmates Cess Robles and Jennifer Nierva, Lacsina took a risk and signed with F2 Logistics.

The 6-foot-1 player showed versatility at the center and attack positions while helping Cargo Movers reach two semifinals last year, including a bronze medal in the first All-Filipino — the team’s best finish in the PVL.

However, F2 Logistics was dissolved last December, allowing Lacsina to make a fresh start with Nxled.

READ: PVL: Adding Big Names Makes It Easier for Ivy Lacsina to Work at Akari

Lacsina continued to perform brilliantly under Japanese coach Tak Minowa and led the Chameleons despite not being 100 percent fit.

Right after one conference, Lacsina had to readjust as she and core players Nxled, along with Minowa, were transferred to sister team Akari.

Catering to the needs of their sister teams seemed to work in the Chargers’ favor, as they got off to the best start in the league by winning eight games in the elimination round.

Lacsina was named the Chargers’ top local player, with Grethcel Soltones and import Oly Okaro also leading the way.

Each game proved to be a tough challenge for Akari despite her undefeated record, especially in the semifinals where she had to come from behind 1-2 in a victory that was overshadowed by a controversial failed attack on the PLDT net.

READ: PVL: Killing Blow 1-2-3 made Akari untouchable

“Out of all the five-set matches we played, this was the most difficult but memorable because we knew PLDT was a very strong team with experienced players,” Lacsina said. “At the same time, we managed to come out on top thanks to the help of our coaches and teamwork.”

Even though the match was marred by a controversial decision that also led to a PLDT protest, Lacsina still treasured the match against her F2 teammates Majoy Baron and Kim Fajardo, to whom she will always be grateful.

“It’s really tough to play against my ‘ates’ from F2 because they’re veterans and very intelligent players. Ate Kimmy’s kits were really hard to get,” Lacsina said. “But I’m super happy to be back on the court with them, even if we’re wearing different jerseys.”

With just one match left before Akari clinches its first title, the former NU star is focusing on the keys to the team’s first 10 wins: teamwork and coach Taki’s system.

“We focus on hard work and sticking to the plan and system. We don’t think about anything else. If the Lord gives us a win this season, it will be a bonus. The important thing is that we gave our all this season,” Lacsina said.