Akari Chargers celebrate after emotional win over Choco Mucho on March 28, 2026. PVL Media BureauMANILA — Akari head coach Tina Salak knows they are on cloud nine after an emotional five-set triumph over Choco Mucho, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in tournament on March 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The win kept them in contention, booking a play-in duel with Creamline for a slot in the semifinals.
Salak, however, knows she needs to pull the Chargers back to the ground while emphasizing the need for physical and mental recovery.
READ: PVL: Akari outlasts Choco Mucho in nail-biting five-set battle to stay alive
"Hindi kami pwede mag-settle lang," Salak stressed. "Ito yung naging result namin [against Choco Mucho]. It's a win, yes, but, we have to work hard kasi 'yung next step namin is semifinals. Ang main goal naman is to go on top."
"May rest naman sila. May rest period. Kailangan lang ulit namin makakuha ng inspiration and then para maka-refresh na 'yung mindset namin towards Creamline," she added.
The veteran coach said her belief in the team never wavered, even in the most crucial moments of the match: "Hindi ako pwede sumuko sa kanila kasi sila lumalaban para sa amin. Marami pang ganitong mangyayari."
While acknowledging occasional miscommunication on the floor, Salak highlighted the team’s ability to stay united.
"Although may mga instances na hindi kami nagkakaintindihan, pinipili pa rin namin mag-stick together," Salak said.
Akari and Creamline will face each other on April 7 as the PVL action resumes at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
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