Fifi Sharma couldn’t be prouder as she reunites with former La Salle teammates Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, and Julia Coronel in Alas Pilipinas Women for the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
Sharma, Canino, Gagate, and Coronel were all part of the Lady Spikers squad that swept National University in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Finals, winning the school’s first championship since 2018 and its 12th overall.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker left La Salle after their championship run and signed with Akari in the Premier Volleyball League.
“I’m super happy kasi this is like a reunion for us,” said Sharma during Alas Pilipinas’ press conference for the AVC Challenge Cup.
“I’ve been away from them for about a year and seeing them here in the highest level of playing here in the country is like a different feeling, parang, ‘Wow, friendship goals!’” she added.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Sharma is set to make her debut for the Nationals after being named to the 14-player lineup by head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
The Philippines will kick-start its campaign against Australia in Pool A on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Despite their short preparation, Sharma said that she liked what she saw from Alas Women, who are composed of PVL and UAAP stars, especially the players’ mentality and eagerness in representing the Philippines.
The daughter of former PBA player Carlo Sharma vowed to give her one hundred percent and make the most of the chance given to her.
“Actually, given the mix of players right now, we’re all determined and eager to give our best this tournament. I think everybody is doing the best they can to make the whole process of gelling easier for everyone,” said Sharma.
“Siguro given na it’s a short tournament, my mindset will just be to enjoy every moment and make sure that I stay in the present and do whatever I can, to give my one hundred percent each and every moment that I train with the Philippine team.”
