Faith Nisperos entered the taraflex on a strong note after scoring Alas Pilipinas' last two points against Iran in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
After sitting out the first two games, Faith Nisperos was finally called to play during Alas Pilipinas' third game in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup Saturday.
In front of a jam-packed crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Nisperos entered the court during the third set, hearing the roar and cheers of Filipino fans.
With Alas up 23-15 in the third frame, Jia de Guzman set up Nisperos for an emphatic down-the-line hit to send it to match point.
After a long rally in the following play, Alas turned to the same play and Jia found Nisperos again. And as if it were fate, Faith's crosscourt kill sealed a sweep for Alas Pilipinas and the national team booked a breakthrough semifinals appearance on the strength of a perfect 3-0 Pool A record.
It might have taken a while for Nisperos to play in the tournament, but the Akari Chargers star was more than ready to seize the opportunity.
"Siyempre, I'd do everything naman with every chance I can get kaya nung pinasok ako, all I think is para sa teammates, para sa coaches, para sa bayan 'yung laban na ito," Nisperos told reporters after the match.
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Nisperos is no stranger to the AVC Challenge Cup, having already played in last year's event where the Philippines finished in seventh place. In fact, Nisperos was the Philippines' go-to scorer in the tournament.
But with a 3-0 start and a semifinal spot already secured, the 24-year-old outside hitter is relishing the country's success this time around, albeit on a smaller role.
"Number one, we're in our home court kaya ramdam ko talaga 'yung suporta ng buong bayan, 'yung mga fans. It's very wild kaya very heartwarming talaga," said Nisperos.
"This is a brave mix of veterans and young blood. I think malaking bagay din na si ate Jia [de Guzman] is very natural leader, a very good setter talaga. With the leadership na binibigay ng seniors, along with ate Dawn [Macandili], talagang nadadala kaming mga young ones," she added.