Fresh from her stint with the national team at the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Women in Indonesia, Faith Nisperos made her highly-anticipated debut in the Premier Volleyball League with Akari.
To say the least, it was a modest debut.
On Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, the Chargers suffered a tough defeat against PLDT, with scores of 25-15, 25-19, and 25-22. Nisperos had minimal impact on the scoring front.
Recognized as one of the top rookies, she managed to accumulate just five points while starting in all three sets.
Despite not having the best first game, Nisperos views it as a positive experience, as she quickly learned what areas she needs to improve.
“I’ve been working on naman on some of my skills and I could say naman na dahan dahan na nailabas naman. I’m looking at it as a positive na I’ve seen what I need to improve on after this game,” said the 5-foot-11 open spiker.
“As an open hitter na inaasahan in all aspects, I could say na I have to improve on my defensive skills. And of course, my blocking as well.”
Meanwhile, head coach Jorge Souza de Brito commended Nisperos’ performance in her professional volleyball debut. The Brazilian tactician emphasized that this is just the beginning for Nisperos and that there’s only room for improvement.
“You have to start at one point. You start from this level today and always aim higher. I’m confident this is just the beginning,” said De Brito, who also coaches the Philippine women’s national volleyball team.
“I’m quite certain she will become much better in all aspects. She didn’t play poorly. She played well, really, really well.”
Time is on Nisperos’ side as the PVL will take a nine-day break to accommodate the Volleyball Nations League, which will be hosted by the country in the coming week.
During this period, Nisperos and the entire Akari squad will intensify their training and studying to deliver a stronger performance in their next game on July 11 against Chery Tiggo.
In that game, Nisperos will face familiar faces such as Eya Laure, Princess Robles, Imee Hernandez, Jen Nierva, and Joyme Cagande. All of them made the transition to the professional level before the Invitational Conference, just like the Ateneo de Manila University product.
“We could take the opportunity na mahaba yung opportunity namin to train, to study, and time can be your kakampi. That’s what we’re trying to do, to study and train,” said the 23-year-old Davaoeña.
