Akari’s Chenie Tagaod during a PVL on Tour preseason game against Cignal in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.–PVL PHOTO
VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Facing her partner Ishie Lalongisip in her first PVL game was special, but Akari rookie Chenie Tagaod soaked in all the lessons of her first loss in the preseason.
Tagaod received a baptism of fire being limited to three points in two sets played, falling to Lalongisip and the HD Spikers, 23-25, 14-25, 23-25, on Sunday at Chavit Coliseum.
SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL on Tour preseason tournament
Chenie Tagaod on facing Ishie Lalongisip.#PVLonTour #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hjQIDE8fU1
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 22, 2025
Akari’s 10th overall pick said she’s still adjusting to the pros, which she believes that the UAAP was about power, but in the PVL is “more of being smarter and applying techniques.”
Despite a losing debut, Tagaod remains optimistic, staying patient after she saw Lalongisip rise from a bench player to becoming the top rookie of the All-Filipino Conference.
“What I learned from her is patience. Last year, she wasn’t even a starter, right? That’s what I keep in mind that I really need to earn my spot this conference,” Tagaod told reporters in Filipino. “I also have seniors helping me out, like Ate Grethcel (Soltones) who’s really amazing, and Ate Ivy (Lacsina), too. Having experienced teammates makes things easier because I’ve got support.”
Lalongisip meant business despite facing Tagaod, joining hands with newcomers Erika Santos and Tin Tiamzon with nine points, eight digs, and six excellent receptions.
“We were both surprised and super happy about the first game, especially since we faced each other right away,” Lalongisip said in Filipino.
READ: PVL: New-look Cignal crushes Akari in preseason opener
“Wala munang jowa jowa (We competed against each other as if we weren’t partners off the court). Our priority was our respective teams because volleyball is our job and we’re in the professional league.”
“You saw the result, and there are still more games to come. I’m just really supportive of her,” she added.
Lalongisip and Tagaod, who last went up each other in the UAAP Season 86 last year, will continue to have each other’s backs after their first PVL duel.
Lalongisip, an Adamson product, embraces a bigger responsibility for the new-look Cignal after getting a three-year contract extension.
“My mindset now is, I’m not a rookie anymore. I’m one of the players under Coach Shaq (Delos Santos) who’s expected to step up,” said Lalongisip. “I want to take on a leadership role on and off the court. That’s also helping us gel more as a team.”
READ: PVL: Ishie Lalongisip continues steady rise for Cignal
“This On Tour series is really our preparation for the Reinforced Conference and the All-Filipino. So here, we really need to show our best, so we can see our team’s full potential,” she added.
Tagaod, for her part, will continue to get better and be a good fit for the Akari Chargers, who are now handled by her college coach Tina Salak.
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“I’m just really happy because playing in the PVL feels different. It’s a whole new experience,” the FEU product said. “New system, new coach… things like that. It’s only our first game, so we still have opportunities to bounce back.”
Cignal wraps up the Vigan stop against Capital1 on Monday, while Akari seeks to bounce back against Creamline.
