Mars Alba was grateful for Akari’s trust after playing a vital role in the Chargers’ win over Creamline in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday.
Given the keys to run coach Tina Salak’s system, Alba dished out 21 excellent sets in her official Akari debut that also marked the Chargers’ first-ever victory over the Cool Smashers since entering the league in 2022.
‘I’m really grateful that the coaches and my teammates trusted me. It hasn’t been an easy transition since I’m new to the team,’ Alba said in Filipino. ‘I really had to study coach’s system. There’s still a lot to work on, but I’m thankful because the coaches never get tired of reminding and teaching me.’
Behind Alba’s steady playmaking, Annie Mitchem unleashed 33 points in the 23-25, 25-23, 30-28, 23-25, 15-12 win at Dasmariñas Arena.
The former La Salle stalwart, who transferred from Choco Mucho to Akari last June, was also trying different variations of plays and attempting for timely spikes that are all part of Salak’s system.
‘We practice that during training, and in the game, we really just trusted the coaches’ system. When we follow it, the game flows much better. It’s all about the trust in each other,’ said Alba.
After a solid first game, Alba promises to continue to leave everything on the floor for the Chargers.
‘For me, I just give whatever I can to help the team. I give my best,’ she said. ‘I’m happy that, somehow, the team responds to the way I try to lead on the court. And I’m really proud because we didn’t give up out there. You could really see the team’s heart and everyone’s character showing through.’
Akari seeks to keep its momentum going against Chery Tiggo on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.