Tina Salak embraces lessons from losses as Akari secures first All-Filipino win

Tina Salak is facing one of the sternest tests of her young coaching career, navigating a difficult start to the 2026 season while steering two programs in separate competitions — the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League and Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Balancing dual coaching responsibilities is demanding under any circumstances. Doing so amid a string of losses only heightens the pressure.

Salak saw her two squads combine for just one win through her first six games at the helm this season. The early struggles tested both systems and morale, particularly for the Chargers, who opened their 2026 All-Filipino Conference campaign in a slump. But on Tuesday, February 24, relief finally came.

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Akari snapped its skid in emphatic fashion, defeating the Nxled Chameleons, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, at the FilOil Centre. The four-set victory not only marked the Chargers’ first win of the conference, but also ended Salak’s personal losing streak across both the professional and collegiate ranks.

For the 49-year-old tactician, the win was a welcome breakthrough — but not a moment for complacency.

“‘Yung mindset ko kasi iba. Kung talo, talo. Accountable kami sa mga talo. Pero naniniwala akong kahit natalo kami, marami kaming nagiging takeaways du’n sa mga talo. We learn sa 0-3 start namin dito and du’n sa UAAP,” Salak said in the postmatch press conference.

True to her reputation as one of Philippine volleyball’s most respected figures, Salak emphasized responsibility over excuses. Rather than dwell on the setbacks, she framed the early-season turbulence as part of a longer developmental process for both teams — one that demands patience, resilience, and trust.

Akari coach Tina Salak, Ivy Lacsina, and Ced Domingo after bagging their first win. #PVL2026 @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/TId6lDKon2

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 24, 2026

The former national team stalwart understands that rebuilding chemistry and refining systems take time, especially when working with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. With FEU competing in the high-intensity UAAP environment and Akari battling seasoned PVL squads, the learning curve has been steep.

Still, Salak remains unwavering in her belief in her players.

“I believe kasi du’n sa mga players ko. Hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw para sa kanila. Nandu’n ako para sa kanila, hindi ako pwedeng bumitaw ako. Diretso lang, diretso lang nang diretso,” she added.

Her words reflect a leadership style rooted in steadiness and presence. Beyond crafting rotations and in-game adjustments, Salak has taken on the role of mentor — guiding her athletes through adversity, reinforcing confidence, and instilling accountability within the locker room.

Against Nxled, that faith translated into sharper execution and improved composure in key stretches. Akari controlled the tempo early, survived a third-set hiccup, and regained focus in the fourth behind disciplined floor defense and timely attacks. More importantly, the Chargers showed poise — a trait that had eluded them during their skid.

The breakthrough victory could serve as a turning point as Akari seeks to climb the standings in the All-Filipino Conference. Momentum, after all, can be fragile in a tournament as competitive as the PVL, and sustaining it will be the next challenge.

Salak and the Chargers will have little time to celebrate, with a sterner test looming against the Cignal Super Spikers on Saturday, February 28, once again at the FilOil Centre. The matchup offers an opportunity not only to build on their first win, but also to demonstrate tangible growth from the hard lessons of their early-season setbacks.

For Salak, the mission remains clear: stay the course, trust the process, and keep moving forward — “diretso lang nang diretso.”

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