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Akari Chargers’ Faith Nisperos in the PVL Invitational Conference. -PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Faith Nisperos relished her head-to-head against her idol Alyssa Valdez as she and the Akari Chargers put up a gallant stand against the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

Nisperos unleashed her best PVL game so far with a game-high 18 points with Akari handing the first set loss of Creamline before yielding with a 19-25, 26-24, 24-26, 19-25 defeat on Saturday at Philsports Arena.

“Going into today’s game, I was very excited because the people I used to just watch I can now play against. It’s a challenge for myself, now that I’m here at the same stage as her, I was thinking what else I can show?” shared the PVL rookie on facing the players she looks up to.

The former Ateneo captain was pleased with her performance against her idol Valdez, who helped Creamline complete a four-game Pool A sweep with 12 points and nine digs.

“I think I’m happy with what I did with the performance today. But of course, we didn’t get the win that’s what really matters right now. As a team we still have a lot to learn,” Nisperos said.

Former three-time UAAP MVP, who steered Ateneo to back-to-back championships in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, praised the game of Nisperos.

“I’ve been cheering on for Ateneo and for her during those times. It’s nice that we’re playing now in the professional league,” Valdez said. “Honestly, we’re really learning a lot from the rookies. Hopefully, they also learn from the veterans who are still playing here in the PVL. ”

“But it’s just so nice to see her perform and really played well in today’s game, that why I can’t wait for her to actually make things harder for teams here in the PVL,” she added.

Despite being relegated to the classification round with their third straight loss, Nisperos remained proud of their team’s fight against the defending champions.

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez. -PVL PHOTO

“I’m very proud of our team because we really worked hard, we really looked on what we could do within ourselves and also against Creamline. We really adjusted. I’m glad that we really stick to the game plan and it really worked–you can see in the close sets, during the break points. But when things get tough, that’s where you really see the experience of Creamline,” Nisperos said.

“Of course, they’re a champion team so you can see their composition. And for us challengers, we’re grateful that we’re able to face them because we could learn from it being against a champion team.”

Akari wraps up his group campaign against fellow winless team Gerflor on Tuesday before heading to the classification round.

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