Akari Chargers ace Ivy Lacsina named the PVL stars with similar playing styles as the inspirations behind her own game.
The blueprint had always been set for Ivy Lacsina.
Long before establishing her name with the Akari Chargers in the PVL, Lacsina was already looking up to some of the country's most accomplished volleyball stars, whose style and success helped shape the kind of athlete she aspired to become.
At the top of her list is her former F2 Logistics teammate Ara Galang, now with the Farm Fresh Foxies, whose balanced and intelligent style of play has long inspired the Akari spiker.
"Siyempre, unang-una sa lahat si Ara Galang. Grabe lang talaga ako ma-inspire kasi grabe din siyang maglaro, like hindi puro power, utak talaga."
Lacsina also recalled keeping a close eye on another former DLSU Lady Spiker, Aby Maraño, especially during the time she was still playing as a middle blocker with NU.
"Ate Aby kasi noong middle ako, lagi ko rin siyang tinitingnan."
[ALSO READ: Ivy Lacsina says she specifically looked at Aby Maraño after F2 Logistics' five-set loss to Akari]
Another major influence for Lacsina are the Santiago sisters—Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago—two dominant figures at the net in Philippine volleyball.
"Si Ate Dindin, ate Jaja. ‘Yung Santiago sisters talaga," Ivy said of her fellow Lady Bulldogs.
Lacsina, who won a UAAP title with NU in Season 84, grew up watching the Santiago sisters lead the Jhocson-based squad through a strong period that preceded her time with the Lady Bulldogs.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Ivy Lacsina has potential to shine not only in Philippines but across Asia, says Nxled coach Taka Minowa]
Both have since taken their talents overseas—an opportunity Lacsina also hopes to pursue in the future.
Dindin had multiple stints abroad before settling nicely in the PVL, while Jaja, now known as Sachi Minowa, has built a decorated career in Japan’s SV.League and is arguably the most successful Filipino volleyball player to compete overseas.
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago fulfills dream with long-awaited Japan SV.League championship]
Rounding out the list is Dawn Macandili, whom Lacsina admits she feels a special connection despite their different paths in the UAAP.
"Last si ate Dawn. Sorry, na-bias ako sa La Salle kasi dream team and dream school ko talaga noon."
From smart attackers to dominant middle blockers and an elite defensive specialist, the players Lacsina admires represent the different facets of the game she continues to build on as her PVL career progresses.
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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.