The Alas Pilipinas stint seemingly worked wonders for Faith Nisperos after solid contributions in her first game back for the Akari Chargers in the PVL.
Faith Nisperos showed a renewed sense of confidence in Akari’s opening-day win over Galeries Tower, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Coming off her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Nisperos was highly-efficient off the bench, firing 16 attacks in 28 attempts. Nine of her 16 points came in the fourth set.
The biggest difference from last season? The higher confidence the 24-year-old opposite hitter has in herself after playing for the national team.
“It all boils down to the confidence na na-gain ko since the Alas stint. The skills every day nata-train ‘yan but ‘yung pinaka na-carry over ko from my Alas stint is the confidence,” Nisperos said during the post-game press conference.
“As long as nandun ‘yung confidence ko sa sarili ko and trust ko sa teammates ko, I guess I could contribute to the team,” she added.
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The match also saw Nisperos make her debut under coach Taka Minowa’s system.
Having an offseason to integrate herself fully with the team, Nisperos admitted that she’s still working on her bond with the team’s setters.
“Everything is a process talaga and I think I’m still at the point of trying to adapt, trying to gel more into the system, especially sa setters kasi siyempre sila talaga ‘yung ka-relationship ko pag dating sa paglalaro,” said Nisperos.
But for now, the former Ateneo Blue Eagles standout is taking her time to adjust and improve her game even further.
“It’s a process, it’s a long conference so I’m gonna take that opportunity, more than trying to win but like trying to improve each game,” said Nisperos.
“We’ll see in the future games or future training on how well, how fast we could adapt.”
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Nisperos was just one of four double-digit scorers for the Chargers, with Eli Soyud leading the way with 21 points on 15 attacks and six blocks.
Ivy Lacsina and Grethcel Soltones also had 16 markers each in the win.
Ysa Jimenez paced the Highrisers with 17 points, while Jewel Encarnacion added 10.
Up next for Akari will be ZUS Coffee on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.