Ivy Lacsina missed Akari's PVL Reinforced opener due to a lingering back injury. She remains optimistic about her recovery and the team’s progress in the conference.
Akari Chargers star Ivy Lacsina was notably absent from the taraflex during her team’s opening match in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, October 7, at the Ynares Center Montalban.
The 25-year-old spiker revealed she is still managing a recurring back injury that first flared up during the previous conferences.
“’Yung naging sa back ko, medyo ‘yung injury ko last conference, so parang inano muna namin na i-rest muna and recovery,” Lacsina explained to One Sports. “Pero, ano naman na, medyo kalahati na [ang recovery].”
While the pain has subsided, Lacsina said she and the Chargers’ physical therapists are prioritizing strengthening and full rehabilitation to prevent the issue from coming back.
“Ngayon, hindi na siya sumasakit, pero pinapalakas na lang kasi halos dalawang conference ko siya iniinda,” she said.
[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina embraces growing pains under new Akari system: ‘Kailangan ko ma-earn ‘yung trust’]
As for her return, there’s no definite timeline yet as the pain remains unpredictable.
The Chargers, however, will hope to have Lacsina back right away as they look to get back on track after their five-set defeat to the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7.
“As of now, wala pa akong [timeline], hindi ko pa siya masabi. Depende pa din sa progress kasi medyo on and off ‘yung nangyayari sa back ko, so medyo nahihirapan din i-figure out kung saan nanggagaling ‘yung sakit,” she added.
Despite being sidelined, Lacsina said she remains confident in Akari’s depth and preparation, noting the team’s steady progress under head coach Tina Salak.
“Ako naman, confident ako sa team namin ngayon kasi talaga naman pinaghandaan, and mas nakukuha na ‘yung sistema ni coach Tina,” she said. “Nakita ko talaga ‘yung hard work ng teammates ko. And ayun, hopefully soon makasabay na ako sa team.”
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.