Alas Pilipinas’ Faith Nisperos during the AVC Challenge Cup press conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQURIER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Faith Nisperos, the lone holdover from last year’s Philippine women’s volleyball team that competed in the AVC Challenge Cup, is thrilled to share the same passion and goal in ushering the Alas Pilipina era in this year’s competition at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
From representing the Nationals with the core of Akari Chargers in their seventh-place finish last year, Nisperos will be coming back with an entirely new line-up in coach Jorge Souza De Brito’s last dance as the Philippines coach.
Nisperos will be led by her seniors Jia De Guzman, Sisi Rondina, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Dell Palomata, and Cherry Nunag and will be reuniting with her former national team batchmates Jennifer Nierva and Eya Laure as well as Ateneo teammate Vanie Gandler, who will represent the country for the first time with Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Arah Panique.
READ: Former UST stars Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina reunite at Alas Pilipinas
Faith Nisperos on her second AVC Challenge Cup. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/HvoKj7EKpC
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“Even with the very short period — our shortest [preparation], with the different players right now, the chemistry and the gelling was made easy because number one, everyone is open to changes, everyone is willing to compromise with each other,” Nisperos told reporters.
“Number two is the leadership that we have. We have ate Jia, ate Dawn, and the other ates. Very easy to be with them even though we’re young. We didn’t feel that we’re young, everyone is on the same level no ates, no young players.”
Nisperos is also elated to reunite with fellow Blue Eagle Vanie Gandler, who has been flourishing in the pro ranks to earn her first-ever national team call-up.
READ: PH national team to be called Alas Pilipinas
“Back in Ateneo, we’re fighting for our school, our school pride. Now, we’re actually bringing the flag,” she said. “So it’s a great privilege and I’m happy to be back with her because it’s easier for us to connect since I’ve been with her. So playing at the higher level, it’s very exciting to be with her again.”
The Nationals may have a short preparation but Nisperos believes that they can show good chemistry when they open their Pool A campaign against Australia on Thursday before taking on India on Friday, Iran on Saturday, and Chinese Taipei on Sunday.
“Everyone is very willing to like know kung ano yung kiliti ng isa, kung saan sila komportable, anong klaseng positioning, and we’re all very open to compromise with each other,” Nisperos said. “And that’s what makes this very different this time. Everyone is willing to compromise, everyone is willing to adjust to each other.”