Ivy Lacsina spearheads Akari's victory vs ZUS Coffee

Akari banked on Ivy Lacsina to zoom past revitalized ZUS Coffee, completing a 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23 victory in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference preliminaries on Thursday night, November 14, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Lacsina paced the Chargers, who had just defeated Galeries Tower on the first day of the season, securing their second consecutive win for a solid 2-0 start to the campaign.

The former National University standout posted a game-high 24 points built from 22 attacks, one block, and an ace. 

Lacsina has apparently accepted the challenge Taka Minowa, the chief tactician for Akari, has given her by taking the initiative again when it matters most. 

"I always think about how I started and what hardships I went through in coach Taka's system and in our training. That's why I take it as motivation and challenge for every training session and game, so that I could be of help for the team," Lacsina said during the post-game press conference.

"I don't really think that he is putting pressure on me. Apparently, I just enjoy it because the coaches trust me," she added.

Eli Soyud scored 15 points and Gretchel Soltones added 10 to the victory alongside Lacsina. 

Despite the Thunderbelles’ setback, Thea Gagate posted 13 markers in her debut, while Michelle Gamit and Kate Santiago supplemented 12 points each.

Akari will face reigning champion Creamline Cool Smashers on November 23 at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.