Akari head coach Tina Salak urged patience regarding the return of Faith Nisperos and Ivy Lacsina amid their injuries.
Akari head coach Tina Salak offered a measured and hopeful update on the conditions of stars Faith Nisperos and Ivy Lacsina, both of whom remain sidelined as they work their way back from their respective injuries in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Salak stressed that while both players are eager to return, neither is physically ready just yet.
“For me, siguro no pressure muna,” Salak said after the Chargers’ sweep of the Nxled Chameleons. “Ivy and Faith, medyo matagal pa 'yung recovery. Still, 'yung emotions pa rin nila nakikita natin na gusto na eh. But still, 'yung body, physically, hindi pa ready.”
According to the veteran coach, the challenge now is helping the two navigate the emotional and mental battle between wanting to contribute and accepting their physical limitations.
“Medyo half-hearted lang sila kasi gusto na nilang makapag-contribute and yet, ‘di pa sila ready,” she added. “Antayin natin. Let’s see. Maging patient na lang tayo.”
[ALSO READ: Here’s why Ivy Lacsina sat out Akari’s opening match in the PVL Reinforced Conference]
Akari currently sits with a 4-3 record, needing just one more win to secure their quarterfinal spot in the Reinforced tilt.
With the two out, the Chargers have relied heavily on American import Annie Mitchem, along with spikers Grethcel Soltones and Eli Soyud.
[ALSO READ: Tina Salak urges Akari to strengthen mental stability ahead of crucial PVL Reinforced stretch]
Lacsina has been dealing with recurring back issues dating back to the PVL On Tour, while Nisperos missed the entire preseason due to a lingering knee injury.
Despite the wait, Salak assured that both Nisperos and Lacsina are progressing well and responding positively to their rehab programs.
“I don’t want to hold back na magkaroon tayo ng pushbacks sa mga ganyan kasi maganda ‘yung recovery nila ngayon,” she said. “Nakikita natin may progress. Sooner or later, makikita natin, any day soon.”
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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.