Fifi Sharma dreaming bigger after first Alas Pilipinas stint

MANILA, Philippines — Fifi Sharma continues to dream big after her Alas Pilipinas debut ended with a historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup.

“Honestly, mas tumaas pa lalo yung pangarap ko. Given it’s the highest level, I want to reach more and further in my career. I’m super excited about what’s to come,” said the Alas middle blocker after scoring seven points in their bronze medal-clinching 25-23, 25-15, 25-7 win over Australia on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

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Sharma formed a potent combo in her reunion with former La Salle teammate Thea Gagate as their tall frontline helped Alas Pilipinas win five of its six games to win the country’s first-ever AVC medal in 63 years.

READ: AVC Cup: Fifi Sharma hopes to sustain play after solid debut

“We have open communication with each other so we were able to do whatever reminders we exchanged. We were able to fill in each other’s weaknesses and I’m super lucky and thankful to have Thea by my side,” said the second-generation athlete, who is the daughter of former PBA player Carlo Sharma.

The Akari Charger credited her good showing and their success to her teammates, led by captain Jia De Guzman, and coach Jorge Souza De Brito.

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“We have good leaders and we have a good coaching staff. Everybody is just so supportive of everything. That’s the main reason why everyone has good spirits coming into every game. We just have a good support system,” Sharma said.

READ: PNVF looks to keep Alas Pilipinas roster with NU stars, Dongallo

Wanting to continue playing for the national team, Sharma is blessed to be part of this history-making squad amid the limited preparation time.

“Feels good! As I said, I’m just super lucky to be a part of this team and that everyone just worked super well together,” she said. 

“Honestly, I just feel so lucky because we got the bronze medal kasi each and every one of us worked as a team and of course, we have a really great setter like Ate Jia. So I’m just really lucky, that’s how I feel, really lucky.”

Sharma is one of the 17 players who will be retained by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for future international tournaments.