Despite a winless campaign in the 2021 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, Team Rebisco’s Faith Nisperos found a silver lining that the team will hold on to moving forward.
The 21-year-old outside spiker of Ateneo said the experience of playing in a real game against the veterans of the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team would surely benefit them in future campaigns.
“It was really a great game because we got to play with our ates,” said Nisperos after their 25-22, 17-25, 19-25, 17-25 loss against Choco Mucho.
“It was a very good experience for us, the younger girls. We have learned a lot.”
More importantly, it will help the young guns’ performance once collegiate action returns.
Photo: Eddy Phongphakthana
Nisperos’ rookie season was cut short back in the UAAP Season 82 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, other Rebisco standouts in Mhicaela Belen, Kamille Cal, and Bernadette Pepito have yet to debut in the seniors’ division.
Also still in the college ranks are middle blockers Imee Hernandez and Ivy Lacsina; libero Jen Nierva; and Eya Laure.
“We could use this experience in our collegiate careers,” added the 5-foot-11 native of Davao City.
Meanwhile, for Kalei Mau, who led Choco Mucho with 20 points, it was a challenging game to play against the younger and fresh faces of the national team.
Photo from Asian Volleyball Confederation
“Challenging against our younger team, it was really great to be able to just find their tendencies and work on ours,” said the 6-foot-1 Mau, who just joined the squad in Thailand.
And to finally get a set and ultimately a win in the Club Championship, hopefully now is the time for Choco Mucho to peak with a game left in their schedule.
Choco Mucho will square off against Zhetysu in the battle for fifth place tomorrow, 1:30 PM.
The two have already clashed in the preliminary round, with Choco Mucho bowing 22-25, 19-25, 15-25 last Saturday.
“Obviously, we’re still trying to build up. It’s been a great game for both sides.”
