Tina Salak credits bench for powering Akari Chargers’ recent winning run

The Akari Chargers are proving that depth matters just as much as star power. After a rocky start in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the team has surged to three consecutive wins, fueled not only by strong starters but also by an increasingly influential bench.

Head coach Tina Salak emphasized the role of her supporting cast in stabilizing the team’s performance, pointing to the defensive structure that has become a hallmark of the Chargers’ recent victories. 

“Sa training, binabalik namin lagi na kailangan namin yung bench sa game. And then, kailangan natin itiwala kasi ‘pag sa training lang natin ginagawa, hindi rin nila makikita yung support,” Salak said. 

Her message resonated on the court as the Chargers overcame the Solar Spikers on Saturday, marking a critical turning point after an 0-3 start.

Rookie Chen Tagaod led the charge off the bench, delivering 12 points and four excellent receptions, essentially filling the role of a starting outside hitter for three crucial sets. Her emergence highlights a growing pattern, that the Chargers are no longer relying solely on starters to dictate outcomes. 

Veteran reserves like Jaja Villena and Jyne Sorreno also contributed meaningful minutes, stepping in seamlessly when the team needed coverage due to health or rotation adjustments.

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Akari coach Tina Salak, Justine Jazareno, and Chenie Tagaod after bagging their third straight win. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/bzy4w9TL8y

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 7, 2026

Salak’s strategic approach extends beyond just rotations. By consistently integrating bench players into high-pressure drills during practice, she’s fostering trust and cohesion across the roster. 

“Mas masaya kasi magkakaroon na kami ng tamang timpla. Isa rin yung bench namin. Magkakaroon na rin ng identity kasi ‘yun ang pinaka-main factor ng ginagawa namin sa training,” Salak explained, underscoring the philosophy that a team’s identity isn’t limited to its starters.

The Chargers’ current streak has brought them to an even 3-3 record, a stark contrast to their opening slump, and keeps them firmly in contention for a top-four finish in the qualifying round. 

The turnaround highlights the importance of a balanced roster and demonstrates how thoughtful coaching and player development can reverse a team’s fortunes mid-conference.

Akari’s defensive system has become increasingly effective under Salak’s guidance, with disciplined floor coverage and strategic blocking disrupting opponents’ rhythm. 

Combined with the bench stepping up, the Chargers now present a more versatile and unpredictable threat, signaling that they may be peaking at just the right time as the season reaches its critical stretch.

With momentum on their side and a deepened rotation, the Akari Chargers are emerging not just as a team capable of winning games, but as a squad with a collective identity, where every player, starter or substitute can contribute to sustained success.

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