Faith Nisperos is undisputedly a beast on the volleyball taraflex.
But sometimes, her powerful spikes and her will to win translate to errors.
And that’s something she’s correcting and will be correcting as the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament progresses in its final stretch, now in the final phase of the stepladder semifinals.
“Little by little with the help of our coaches lalo na si Coach O [Oliver Almadro], nagkakaroon na naman ng development sa sarili ko,” said Nisperos.
Fortunately, though, her efforts are finally paying off, being a key factor in finishing University of Santo Tomas in their knockout match in the first phase of the stepladder.
The 5-foot-11 spiker out of Davao came through in various ways with 23 points on 17 attacks, four service aces, and two blocks to the delight of Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro.
“I just asked Faith to relax kasi normally towards the end kailangang pigilan kaunti eh. Alam niyo naman si Faith, ‘yung intensity niya,” said Coach O, as he is fondly called.
“I really commend this girl. Nakinig siya and nag-adjust siya right away. Doon mate-test ‘yung character ng isang athlete if she can adjust at the right time,” he added.
“I hope Faith will be maturing at the right time.”
Despite her status as one of the best players in the UAAP today, Nisperos remains humble and with her feet on the ground.
After all, she’s just 22 years young and still with a long career ahead of her, far from her peak yet.
“I always make sure na I’m always open sa improvement, always open sa mga sasabihin nila coach,” said Nisperos.
“That is how I want to be as a player na maging coachable ako.”
The mental toughness of Nisperos and Ateneo, which won their third consecutive elimination match, will be tested anew come Thursday.
This as the Blue Eagles, with a twice-to-win disadvantage, will try to force a rubber match with archrival second seed De La Salle University at 6:30 pm.
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