Faith Nisperos believes that the skills are already there for Akari, and it’s just a matter of time until they figure it out in the Premier Volleyball League.
This statement came after the Chargers salvaged their Invitational Conference Pool A assignments with a win against three losses, beating Gerflor in a thriller, 20-25, 25-22, 25-27, 27-25, 15-12, on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
The 5-foot-11 outside hitter out of Davao stressed the importance of being composed down the stretch, which was a key factor that allowed them to escape the Defenders in the fifth set.
“We just needed to compose ourselves and come back kasi we have the skills but of course, under pressure we need to be composed and that’s what we talked about,” said Nisperos on what transpired before the deciding frame.
“Once we get the composure, our performance will get better.”
Despite falling into the classification phase after a 1-3 record in Pool A, the Ateneo de Manila University product was proud of how the team worked together to avoid ending up winless in pool play.
Nisperos top-scored for the Chargers with 18 points along with 14 digs and six excellent receptions, while veteran Dindin Santiago-Manabat contributed 17 points.
Eli Soyud was also valuable off the bench with nine points, while Janine Marciano and Ezra Madrigal chipped in eight apiece in the three-hour marathon.
“It was hard for us kasi we came from three losses and the team naman what we did was we really committed na whatever happens, we have to win,” said the prized rookie.
“I’m really glad naman na kami nagtulungan kami to get that win. There’s more polishing to do but I’m really happy na we finally won a game.”
Akari will still go all out in the ranking round to get the best possible finish out of 13 teams.
The mindset is the same for Nisperos and Co. as they look to exit the Invitationals on a high note, something they can bring into the next conference.
“Going into the classification, it’s still a game and every game each team needs to win so it will be hard. Going into the next round, we need to work hard pa and yung tulungan kailangan nandoon as a team,” she said.
