Akari has tapped veteran playmaker Mars Alba to reinforce its setter rotation, the team confirmed Wednesday afternoon.
The move comes in the wake of team captain and starting setter Michelle Cobb’s sudden retirement, leaving a significant gap in the Chargers’ playmaking duties. Cobb has since transitioned into a new role as the team’s assistant manager.
Alba, a former UAAP Finals MVP, joins Akari after parting ways with Choco Mucho following a two-season stint. Her arrival adds experience to a young setter lineup that includes Kamille Cal and recent recruit Bea Bonafe, who came over from Creamline ahead of the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour.
“Chargers fam, can’t wait to see you po and sana po suportahan niyo po ako with the Akari Chargers. See you soon!” said Alba in a video message released by the team.
Though officially welcomed to the squad, Alba is expected to miss part of the PVL On Tour as she remains committed to national team duties with Alas Pilipinas.
The 25-year-old is set to reunite with several familiar faces at Akari, including fellow De La Salle and Alas Pilipinas alumni Justine Jazareno and Fifi Sharma, her teammates during the UAAP Season 85 title run. She also links up once again with Ivy Lacsina, a former F2 Logistics teammate and currently Akari’s top scorer.
Alba’s entry comes as the Chargers aim to bounce back from a shaky start in Pool B of the PVL On Tour, where they currently hold a 1-3 win-loss record.
