Ced Domingo has a quiet Akari debut as she adjusts
Akari Chargers’ Ced Domingo goes for an attack as she rejoins the PVL in the All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —Only arriving four days ago from a successful championship stint in Thailand, Ced Domingo admitted that she’s still adjusting to Akari’s system as she made her debut on Saturday.
Domingo only played in the last two sets and scored two points as Akari absorbed a tough 25-21, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 loss to Cignal in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The newest Charger arrived in Manila early Tuesday and only attended her first full practice on Friday, coming from Nakhon Ratchasima’s title-clinching win in the Thailand Volleyball League last week.
“Honestly, I’m still adjusting and adapting to a new system, new environment, new teammates, and new coaches,” said Domingo in Filipino. “So coming into this game, I managed my self-expectations.”
“I think we fought hard, but we fell short.”
But though she just arrived, Domingo received a warm welcome from her teammates including her fellow newcomer Grethcel Soltones, whom she played with the defunct PayMaya.
“When I was in Thailand, some of them were already messaging me. I felt at ease because some of them were my former teammates in college and ate Grethc in PayMaya. Super welcoming and no pressure,” Domingo said.
Despite a losing debut, Domingo can’t wait to unlock the team’s full potential with coach Raffy Mosuela working with Japanese program director and Nxled coach Taka Minowa.
“It’s super exciting because we’re also under coach Taka’s provision. And when I joined my teammates, I felt I was short. They are tall and promising. I know in the long run, our team has a lot more to show. We just have to work on our chemistry and we need more connection,” Domingo said.
Akari eyes its second win against defending champion Creamline on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
