In a thrilling match at the Philsports Arena, the Akari Chargers, led by the talented 5-foot-11 outside hitter, Faith Nisperos, showcased their determination and resilience, securing a hard-fought victory against Gerflor with a score of 20-25, 25-22, 25-27, 27-25, 15-12 in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference Pool A.
Despite their initial struggles in pool play, the Chargers refused to give up and demonstrated that their skills were indeed present, with Nisperos emphasizing that success was only a matter of time.
The road to victory wasn't an easy one for the Ateneo de Manila University product and her teammates. With a 1-3 record in Pool A, the Chargers found themselves in the classification phase, facing pressure to avoid a winless pool play.
Yet, Nisperos remained confident in her team's abilities, highlighting the crucial aspect of composure down the stretch, which ultimately played a pivotal role in their triumph over the Defenders in the deciding fifth set.
"We just needed to compose ourselves and come back because we have the skills, but, of course, under pressure, we need to be composed, and that's what we talked about," Nisperos shared, reflecting on the moments leading up to the tense final frame. "Once we get the composure, our performance will get better."
Faith Nisperos was a standout player throughout the game, leading the Chargers with an impressive 18 points, alongside 14 digs and six excellent receptions. Veteran Dindin Santiago-Manabat also made a significant contribution with 17 points, while Eli Soyud and the dynamic duo of Janine Marciano and Ezra Madrigal chipped in with nine and eight points, respectively.
"It was hard for us because we came from three losses, but the team's commitment was unwavering—we knew we had to win," Nisperos proudly expressed about her team's perseverance. "I'm really glad that we worked together to get that win. There's more polishing to do, but I'm really happy that we finally won a game."
Despite the tough journey in the Invitational Conference, the Chargers' spirits remained high, as they prepare to face the ranking round among thirteen teams. The team's mindset is set on finishing strong and carrying their momentum into the next conference.
"Going into the classification, it's still a game, and every team needs to win, so it will be hard. Going into the next round, we need to work even harder, and teamwork will be crucial," Nisperos emphasized, underlining the importance of unity within the team.
The win serves as a testament to the Chargers' potential and growth, with Faith Nisperos leading the way as a rising star in the Premier Volleyball League.
