Mars Alba is set to bring leadership, grit, and veteran playmaking to the Akari Chargers as she reunites with former teammates and gears up to grow under Coach Tina Salak’s guidance.
Mars Alba is embracing a fresh start with the Akari Chargers after her time with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
Alba made her first appearance with the Chargers on Tuesday, as she watched from the sidelines during the team’s straight-set win against the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL on Tour.
Asked about her move, the former UAAP Best Setter cited team familiarity and head coach Tina Salak’s mentorship as key reasons for her decision to change teams.
“For me, siguro ‘yung familiarity din kasi given nga na parang most of the players here sa Akari mga naging ka-teammates ko na, nakasama ko na,” Alba told reporters.
“Feel ko mas mabilis akong makaka-gel sa kanila and happy ako kasi magiging coach ko rin finally si coach Tina, given na magaling talaga na setter, legend.”
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Alba has yet to make her debut for the Chargers in the preseason showcase due to her duties with Alas Pilipinas. But as early as now, she’s already looking forward to the new heights she can reach as a playmaker under Salak’s guidance.
“Sobrang excited lang ako kasi ‘di ko alam kung saan pa ‘yung maabot ko sa career ko and sana makasama ko rin sila soon,” Alba added. “Grateful ako sa mga opportunities na dumating sakin, lalo na kay coach Tina.”
In Akari, Alba will also be reunited with several of her teammates from La Salle and the now-defunct F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, namely Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, and Justine Jazareno.
She is expected to bring grit and championship experience to an Akari squad transitioning into a new era, especially following the retirement of former setter Mich Cobb, who now serves as the team’s assistant manager.
“Siguro ‘yung experience-wise and ‘yung tapang siguro, ‘yun ‘yung madadala ko sa team,” said Alba. “Lahat talaga, parang hard work talaga ‘yung puhunan ko.”
With Akari aiming to continue its stream of podium finishes in future PVL conferences, Alba is eager to make her mark.
“Siyempre mataas ‘yung expectations ko sa kanila. Sana makatulong and maka-contribute ako sa kanila sa mga susunod na conferences,” she ended.