In a thrilling showdown during the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, an exciting and unexpected clash took place between two exceptional athletes – one, a revered legend of the sport, and the other, a young and promising rookie on her way to making her mark in the world of volleyball.
Faith Nisperos, a newcomer to the professional volleyball scene, found herself up against none other than her ultimate idol, Alyssa Valdez of Creamline, in what would be a memorable first-time encounter for the young Akari player.
For Nisperos, this was a dream come true, having watched Valdez in awe while growing up and even choosing Ateneo de Manila University partly because of her admiration for the seasoned athlete.
The match, which saw the Cool Smashers secure a four-set victory over the Chargers, showcased Nisperos' immense talent and determination, despite the loss. The rookie standout led her team's offensive charge with an impressive 18 points, showcasing her prowess through 16 successful attacks and eight critical receptions.
Before the match, Nisperos expressed her excitement and the challenge she faced going up against her idol on the court.
"Going into today’s game, I was very excited because I used to watch her play, and now I have the chance to compete against her. It was challenging for me because now I find myself at the same stage as her, and I questioned myself about what I could show," Nisperos shared candidly.
However, the young athlete did not disappoint. Her outstanding performance not only demonstrated her individual skill but also highlighted the potential she brings to the table. Despite the outcome, Nisperos was pleased with her display and acknowledged that there were valuable lessons to be learned as a team from the game.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Valdez, who has earned numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career and holds the title of PVL Most Valuable Player multiple times, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to face Nisperos in her rookie season. Although they never had the chance to play together in the UAAP, Valdez had been an ardent supporter of Nisperos and Ateneo during their collegiate journey.
“It’s so nice to see her perform and really play well in today’s game. I didn’t get the chance to play against Faith in the UAAP, so I’ve been cheering for Ateneo and for her during those times, and it’s nice that we finally crossed paths in the professional league," Valdez shared warmly.
As the match unfolded, it became evident that this was not just a contest between two players but a meeting of past and future generations of volleyball talent.
Valdez acknowledged the valuable role that rookies like Nisperos play in the sport, adding, "Honestly, we learn a lot from rookies who come in, and hopefully, they can also learn from us veterans who play in the PVL."
Nisperos, gracious in defeat, was grateful for the experience of competing against the esteemed Creamline squad. She recognized the significance of the lessons learned, which will undoubtedly aid her team as they head into the classification stage of the tournament.
“We adjusted, and I’m glad we stuck to the game plan, and it really worked. You could see that the sets were close, and during crucial moments or breakpoints, you could observe the experience of Creamline as a champion team; you could see their composure,” Nisperos assessed, reflecting on the match.
