PVL: Faith Nisperos remains upbeat despite Akari’s slow start

MANILA, Philippines—It may not be the result she wanted, but Faith Nisperos enjoyed her first Premier League Volleyball experience with the Akari Chargers.

Nísperos started on the wrong foot in his first professional game and was held to just five points in Akari’s 15-25, 19-25, 22-25 loss to the depleted PLDT in Pool A of the Conference Invitational on Saturday in FilOil EcoOil Center in the City of San Juan.

“Of course, as a first-timer, all we want is to win. It’s not the result I wanted, but I’m glad to be able to test the waters and play with the Chargers,” said Nísperos, who remains upbeat amid the loss.

Akari’s coach, Jorge Souza de Brito, remains patient with the former Ateneo star, who turned professional after two full seasons at UAAP, and believes the best is yet to come for her.

“It is always difficult. It’s really different when they play against the pros. The boys here have already played for [how many] years and it is very difficult. You have to start from this level. You have to understand that this is the first time he has played in the PVL, ”said the Brazilian coach. “She’s just getting started. I’m pretty sure she’ll be a lot better with this game.”

The 23-year-old outside hitter is taking it easy after struggling on her debut.

“I’ve been working on some of my skills. I could say that I’m getting those skills little by little and, of course, I’m also seeing it in a positive light. I have seen the things that I need to improve after this game,” he said. “As a spread hitter, I have to be reliable in every aspect. I could say that I have to improve my defensive skills and, of course, my blocking too.”

Prior to their PVL debut, Nisperos and De Brito, as well as six other Chargers, represented the country in the Volleyball Asian Confederation Challenge Cup, where they finished seventh.

“Of course, that was a great experience for us. It is a much more competitive volleyball. We were able to pick up some of that experience in Indonesia by going here at the PVL,” he said.

After losing their first game, Nisperos and the Chargers have 10 days before they take on the Eya Laure and Chery Tiggo Crossovers on July 11 at Philsports Arena.

“We will take the opportunity to train and study during this long break. Time may be on our side and that is what we will try to study and train ourselves,” she said.

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