Heat only problem for explosive import

FANS who love explosive spikers, watch out for American open hitter Stephanie Niemer of PSL-Manila. Photo by Marc Reyes

AMERICAN open spiker Stephanie Niemer, touted to be an explosive hitter, has only one complaint about playing in the Philippines: hot, humid weather.

“It’s pretty hot, I am sweating a lot,” said Niemer after Wednesday’s practice at Arellano Gym.
It’s understandable because she is from the United States and the last country she played for was Azerbaijan, where she had a stint with the Azeryol Baku side.

Niemer is one of the most anticipated imports in the tournament because of her reputation among hardcore volleyball fans.

One of the seven foreign reinforcements of Philippine Superliga-Manila to the FIVB Women’s Club
Championships, the 27-year-old Niemer has nice words about the Filipino players as well as the team itself.
The Kentucky-native said PSL-Manila is moving in the right direction ahead of the Oct. 18 to 23 FIVB World Clubs where they are pitted against the best teams out there.

“Things are coming together a little more quickly, it’s good, there is competition,” said Niemer. “We are all trying to blend together and discover how we are going to succeed as a team.”

Niemer noted the positive energy during practices and the light mood among the players, especially the locals.

“They are super friendly, they keep it very light-hearted and fun, that’s what I like about playing here,” she said.

There are other obstacles, according to Niemer, like communication and chemistry especially for a team put together just weeks ago.

“But yeah, absolutely, it’s the weather that is the hardest to get past,” she said.