Mars Alba had every reason to feel drained. Instead, she found one more burst of energy when Akari needed her most.
Battling an illness throughout the match, the 27-year-old setter summoned the strength to deliver the decisive block against former teammate Sisi Rondina, sealing the Chargers’ thrilling five-set victory over Choco Mucho in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series last Saturday night.
Alba rose to the occasion at the net to deny Rondina, helping Akari escape with a 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 16-14 triumph at the Philsports Arena.
The final point unleashed a wave of emotions from the former De La Salle University standout. After briefly locking eyes with Rondina, Alba pointed skyward before breaking into a wide smile as her teammates mobbed her in celebration.
It was a fitting ending for a player whose fiery personality has long been reflected in the way she approaches the game.
Even with the added significance of facing her former squad, Alba insisted that her emotional display was simply part of who she is on the court.
“Siguro for me, normal na mataas ’yung emotions. Knowing me, kung kilala niyo ako, gano’n talaga ako maglaro. Ma-swag, medyo hindi lang todo ngayon kasi medyo masama ’yung pakiramdam, pero nairaos naman,” she said.
Despite her condition, Alba remained composed when the match came down to its final rally, focusing solely on getting the job done rather than the identity of the opponent on the other side of the net.
“Wala naman akong masyadong iniisip nung last block. Sabi ko lang, tapusin lang kasi mahirap ’yung naghahabol nga. And thank you, Lord, na nabigay sa’min ’yung panalo,” she added.
Her impact went beyond the match-clinching play. Alba also kept Akari’s offense running, finishing with 19 excellent sets as the Chargers collected their third victory of the conference.
The victory could prove pivotal in Akari’s pursuit of a semifinal berth, with the race for the tournament’s coveted top four becoming increasingly competitive as the elimination round approaches its conclusion.
Knowing that their margin for error is growing slimmer, Alba stressed that the Chargers must approach their remaining assignments with urgency, consistency, and patience.
“Siguro kami po, ’yung mindset lang naman namin, panalunin lahat ng natitirang games. And ayun, parang it’s now or never. Parang napunta kami sa ganitong sitwasyon, so kailangan namin pagtrabahuhan and sipagan pa, maging patient sa isa’t isa para ma-achieve namin ’yung gusto naming ma-achieve this conference.”
