Faith Nisperos is officially back with the Akari Chargers, playing a crucial role in their 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference season opener against the Galeries Tower Highrisers.
Faith Nisperos announced her return to the PVL in impressive fashion, coming up big in the Akari Chargers’ 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 23-25 win over the Galeries Tower Highrisers in their 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference season opener last Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Nisperos finished with 16 points in her return, with nine alone coming in a fourth set that saw Galeries attempt a last-gasp comeback to force a fifth and deciding set.
“Well, of course, I’m really happy to be back with [Akari] and to be under coach Taka and with my other teammates. Seeing them play last [Reinforced] conference, seeing them in the finals really inspired me. So motivation ko rin na maging part ako ng team na aabot sa Finals dito sa All-Filipino Conference,” she said during the post-game press conference.
Saturday’s win also marks Nisperos’ first time under head coach Taka Minowa’s system, who debuted during the Reinforced Conference alongside Ivy Lacsina, Kamuy Cal, Cams Victoria and Dani Ravena.
Admittedly, it’s been quite the transition as Nisperos integrates herself with a new system and teammates. So on top of helping Akari sustain their form, she plans to use this six-month long conference to find her place within the slightly revamped team.
“Everything is a process talaga. And I think I’m still at the point of trying to adapt, trying to gel more in this system. And of course, especially the setters [Cal and Michelle Cobb] kasi syempre sila ‘yung talagang ka-relationship ko sa laro. So it’s a process and it’s a six-month long conference. So I think I’m gonna take that opportunity to try and improve each game,” said Nisperos, who last played under Raffy Mosuela in Akari.
The former Ateneo spiker also admits gaining improved confidence from her Alas Pilipinas stint, where she was joined by teammate and middle blocker Fifi Sharma. Nisperos was part of the Alas core who won bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup in Manila last May, and during the SEA V.League Leg 1 and 2 last August.
“The skills, everyday nattrain ‘yan…but ‘yung pinaka nacarry over ko from my Alas stint is the confidence. So, as long as I have confidence and trust in my teammates, I guess I could contribute to the game,” she said.
For his part, head coach Taka Minowa admits that Nisperos and Sharma are still transitioning into the team in terms of mentality and conditioning. Despite this, he knows that they are a welcome addition to the team and it’s a matter of grasping the system.
Veteran spiker Gretchel Soltones was likewise glad to reunite with Nisperos and Sharma for the six-month-long conference.
“Syempre ‘yun na nga, namiss namin sila last conference. So nagexpect din ako from them especially nakalaro ko sila sa ibang bansa. And isa sila sa mga malalakas na player…’yun nga, welcome back Faith [and Fifi]!,” said Soltones, who joined during the 2024 PVL season.
Up next for Akari will be Jovelyn Gonzaga and the ZUS Coffee Thunderebelles on November 14 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Banner image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.