It’s been over a year since Ivy Lacsina and Mars Alba last shared the same side of the net, but for the 6-foot-1 outside hitter, the wait for a reunion is finally over.
Alba, who recently made headlines after signing with Akari midway through the 2025 PVL On Tour, is set to reunite with her former F2 Logistics teammate. And while the Chargers still await Alba’s arrival—she’s currently serving national team duties with Alas Pilipinas—Lacsina is already looking forward to rekindling their chemistry.
“Hindi po ako excited, charot,” Lacsina said with a laugh, before breaking into a wide grin. “Siyempre ako, personally, masaya ako na makakasama ko po ulit si Mars [Alba].”
The bond between Lacsina and Alba traces back to their stint with the now-defunct F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, where both were promising young pieces in a squad loaded with seasoned veterans. Despite limited time together before the team’s disbandment in 2023, the two developed a strong connection—on the court and off.
After F2’s exit, Lacsina took her talents to Akari while Alba joined the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, where she played for two full seasons. Now, with Alba shifting to the Chargers, Lacsina sees more than just a familiar face—she sees a valuable addition.
“Kasi iba rin po siyang makatrabaho,” said Lacsina. “Mature po siyang tao, at hindi po mahirap pakisamahan si Mars. So alam ko na kapag talagang nakapaglaro na po kami on the court…”
Her words trail off with excitement, suggesting a level of confidence in the synergy that awaits once Alba settles in.
Lacsina, who has steadily grown into a more prominent role with the Chargers, emphasized the intangibles Alba brings: leadership, communication, and competitive grit—all of which stem from the latter’s roots under Coach Ramil de Jesus.
“Siguro dahil galing na rin siya kay Coach Ramil—yung fighting spirit niya talaga sa game ay iba. 'Yun po yung mga masarap kasama sa game. Si Mars naman po talaga, trabaho lang po siya at mabilis mag-communicate sa kanya.”
Alba’s entry gives Akari a deeper and more versatile setter rotation. With Kamille Cal and Bea Bonafe already manning the court, the arrival of Alba only enhances the tactical options for head coach Raffy Mosuela.
For Lacsina, the reunion also signals the potential for even smoother execution of plays and more efficient offensive schemes—something she knows well from her previous experience with Alba.
“Alam ko na mabilis makipag-adapt si Mars. Hindi siya mahirap kausapin, kaya madali lang siyang makakablend sa team,” she said.
