Tina Salak emphasized the need to first build trust and chemistry within the Akari Chargers even after a winning debut as head coach against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL on Tour.
Tina Salak made a winning debut as head coach of the Akari Chargers, steering her squad to a hard-fought five-set victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 17-25, 17-15, in the PVL on Tour on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
With the win, the Chargers finally broke into the win column of the preseason series and improved to 1-2 in Pool B.
Salak, who was absent during the Vigan leg due to prior commitments, admitted the transition into her new role hasn’t been easy, but she welcomed the challenge head-on.
“Medyo mahirap ‘yung transition namin, especially sa situation ng team,” Salak shared during the post-game press conference. “Actually ‘yung transition kasi hindi naman talaga madali para sa lahat, but definitely magiging madali lang sa kasama mo sa team.”
“Very thankful dun sa team members, especially sa mga players na welcome kaming mga bagong coaching staff sa Akari.”
Akari’s trio of stars led the way in the tight encounter, with Grethcel Soltones tallying 23 points, 11 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions. Eli Soyud added 19 markers, while Ced Domingo chipped in 12 points.
The Chargers are coming off back-to-back podium finishes, bagging the silver medal in the 2024 Reinforced Conference before taking home the bronze in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.
While the pressure is on for another successful run, Salak, who replaced Japanese tactician Taka Minowa, stressed that her immediate focus is to strengthen team dynamics before anything else.
“‘Yung immediate goal namin is sa relationship, maayos muna namin kasi ‘yung timing din hindi din maganda,” she explained. “Umalis ako, bumalik ako, then biglang laro. Hindi namin ma-balance kung saan kami magsisimula.”
“So siguro, ‘yun muna, ‘yung relationship muna ayusin namin then pakita namin ‘yung trust. Trust namin ‘yung isa’t isa. Madali na kasi pag nagtiwala, madali na mapasukan, madali na ‘yung trabaho.”
Akari returns to action tomorrow, July 6, against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the second of their back-to-back matches in Montalban.