In the heart of the competitive arena at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, a young volleyball prodigy named Fifi Sharma left an indelible mark during her debut in the Premier Volleyball League. As she stepped into the limelight, the 5-foot-11 middle blocker showcased her immense talent and determination, proving that she was destined for greatness.
Under the banner of Akari, Sharma took center stage in her first-ever professional match. It was a thrilling showdown against the formidable F2 Logistics team, a game that would ultimately push her to the limits and unveil her true potential.
In the decisive fifth set, Sharma delivered the finishing touches that sent shockwaves through the crowd. With a powerful block against the Cargo Movers' star, Myla Pablo, followed by a sensational ace, Sharma propelled the Chargers to a remarkable 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8 victory over F2 Logistics.
Sharma's debut performance was nothing short of spectacular, tallying a total of 13 points, including five crucial blocks that contributed significantly to her team's triumph. The Chargers, with Sharma's exceptional contribution, marked their first victory in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.
In a post-game interview, Sharma reflected on her ability to thrive under pressure. She emphasized her mindset, saying, "My mindset was just focus, back to basics, breathe, stay in the present, don't overthink things, just play your game, and that has always worked for me."
Although it was her debut in the professional league, Sharma was no stranger to the spotlight. Her journey began at De La Salle University during her collegiate career in the UAAP, where she was part of the Lady Spikers in Seasons 82, 84, and 85. The latter two seasons were particularly productive, featuring memorable victories and sweet revenge against National University.
Sharma's determination was palpable as she expressed, "For this first game, my mindset was actually to give my all. I mean give my all in all the games, but this first game is especially important to me because I think this will set the tone for the whole conference."
Akari's previous performances in the league had been less than stellar, consistently placing second to last. However, Sharma's arrival seemed to bring a renewed sense of purpose and determination to the team.
What made Sharma's debut even more remarkable was the fact that she faced familiar faces on the opposing side of the court. F2 Logistics featured nine former Lady Spikers in their roster, including Mars Alba and Jolina Dela Cruz, who were Sharma's teammates during their playing years at La Salle.
Sharma shared her perspective on competing against former teammates and seniors, stating, "At first, it was daunting because they're my seniors, and also I know some of the people who are playing on the opposite side of the court. But as time went by, I just focused on the game, not so much on who I was playing against but more on the goal to win."
Her prime motivation was clear – to help her team succeed. Sharma's commitment to giving her all in practice and showing up every day was driven by her desire to contribute to her team's success.
