Faith Nisperos, 5 other Akari players lead PH team for AVC Challenge Cup
Akari Chargers and coach Jorge Souza de Brito during training. –AKARI PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Faith Nisperos and her Akari teammates will represent the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women in Indonesia from June 18 to 25.
Before making her much anticipated pro debut in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on June 27, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle will be carrying the flag with five other Chargers in Eli Soyud, Erika Raagas Michelle Cobb, Bang Pineda, and Ezra Madrigal, according to Inquirer Sports sources.
The team is leaving for Indonesia on Thursday night.
Nisperos, who decided to forgo her remaining playing years in the UAAP, is also reuniting with Ateneo teammates AC Miner and Roma Mae Doromal under coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
The star outside spiker played for the national team in the 2021 AVC Club Championship with the core of the National University Bulldogs and Eya Laure.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) also called up Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, who is returning to the national squad since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Petro Gazz setter Djanel Cheng, PLDT spiker Jules Samonte, and Foton’s Shaya Adorador will also see action.
University of the East duo Lia Pelaga and Riza Nogales, who were part of the national pool last January, will also represent the country.
The Philippines is slated in Pool A facing Macau on June 19 and battling host Indonesia a day after.
Pool B is composed of Iran, Hong Kong, and Chinese Taipei. Australia and India are the only teams in Pool C, while Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Mongolia will clash in Pool D.
The top two teams of each group will reach the semifinals on June 24.
