Akari’s Faith Nisperos upbeat despite slow start in PVL

July 2, 2023 Times Europe

Akari Chargers’ Faith Nisperos. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER

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

Nisperos started off on the wrong foot in her first pro game being limited to just five points in Akari’s 15-25, 19-25, 22-25 loss to the depleted PLDT in Pool A of the Invitational Conference on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“Of course, as a first-timer, all we want is to win. It’s not the result I wanted but I’m glad that I get to already test the waters and play with the Chargers,” said Nisperos, who is staying optimistic amid the loss.

Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito remains patient with the former Ateneo star, who turned pro after two full UAAP seasons, believing the best is yet to come for her.

“It’s always hard. It’s really different when they play against the pros. The guys here already played for [how many] years and it’s really hard. You have to start from this level. You have to understand that this is the first time she plays in the PVL,” said the Brazilian coach. “She’s just starting. I’m pretty sure that she will be much better from this game.”

The 23-year-old outside hitter is taking things in stride after struggling in her debut.

“I’ve been working on some of my skills. I could say that I am bringing out those skills slowly and of course, also, I’m looking at it positively. I’ve seen the things that I need to improve on after this game,” she said. “As an open hitter, I should be reliable in all aspects. I could say that I have to improve on my defensive skills and of course my blocking as well.”

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

“Of course, that was a huge experience for us. It’s so much more competitive volleyball. We were able to pick up something from that experience in Indonesia going here in the PVL,” she said.

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

“We will take the opportunity to train and study in this long break. Time can be on our side and that’s what we will try to do study and training,” she said.