In her first-ever matchup against her ultimate volleyball idol, Akari rookie Faith Nisperos was glad to perform well against Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
Despite the Chargers’ four-set loss to Valdez’s undefeated Cool Smashers, Nisperos led her team with 18 points, including 16 attacks and eight receptions.
“Going into today’s game, I was very excited kasi dating pinapanood ko lang, makakalaro ko na. I was very excited at the same time, challenging yun for me kasi sa sarili ko naman, now I’m here at the same stage as her, ano ba yung mapapakita ko?” said Nisperos, who admitted before that she went to Ateneo de Manila University because of Valdez.
“Sa performance ko today, I’m really glad naman sa nagawa ko. Of course, we didn’t get the win, that’s what really matters naman, pero as a team naman, meron pa kami matututunan.”
Although they didn’t have the chance to play together in the UAAP, Valdez expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face Nisperos in her rookie season. The multiple-time PVL Most Valuable Player also praised Nisperos’ performance, as Akari handed Valdez’s squad their only set loss in the conference so far.
“It’s so nice to see her perform and really played well in today’s game. Hindi ko na naabutan sa UAAP si Faith kaya I’ve been cheering on for Ateneo and for her during those times, and it’s nice na kahit papaano nagkaabot kami dito sa professional league,” said Valdez, who dropped 12 points and nine excellent digs against Akari.
“Honestly, ang dami naming natutunan sa rookies na dumadating and hopefully marami rin sila matutunan samin sa mga veterans na naglalaro sa PVL.”
Nisperos was grateful for the opportunity to face the esteemed Creamline squad, as her team can learn valuable lessons heading into the classification stage of the tournament.
“We adjusted talaga and I’m glad we stuck to the game plan and it really worked.
“Kita naman na close yung sets and also during the breakpoints or kung kailan pitpitan, doon mo makikita na of course the experience of Creamline as a champion team, kita niyo yung composure,” said Nisperos, who had seven of her 18 points in the second set. (Ernest Martin Tuazon)
