Amid comeback trail, Nisperos holds on to faith

Faith Nisperos is staying patient as she works herself back to her old form. —PVL IMAGES

Faith Nisperos came off Akari’s bench before a packed Polomolok Gymnasium and provided the Chargers with the spark they desperately needed, showing flashes of her lethal form as they notched their first win in the PVL on Tour last Saturday in South Cotabato.

Akari coach Tina Salak was pleased to see Nisperos’ hard work and patience finally pay off after a knee cartilage injury sidelined her over the past seasons. The outside spiker scored nine points off the bench to help the Chargers defeat Choco Mucho, 27-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22.

“I owe it to myself to give out the best performance I can. I owe it to the person who worked really hard to get back to playing the sport we love,” Nisperos told the Inquirer. “I also owe it to the people who helped me, believed in me and were there for me from the start of my healing journey.”

“I was also inspired by the people of Polomolok. They have welcomed us and made us feel at home. What boosted me even more was our visit to DOLE Philippines School and seeing the aspiring students,” she added.

The former Ateneo star, who made the jump to the PVL three years ago, admitted she endured many struggles while forced to watch from the sidelines. Through it all, she stayed true to her name.

“In times of trouble, I really go back, reflect and pray, especially in situations that I have no control over. I always had faith in the Lord that what’s mine will come in His time. The struggles I experienced might just be His way of redirecting me toward the best path,” Nisperos said.

Now back in action, the 26-year-old outside spiker is determined to become the best version of herself.

“I want to unleash the potential within me. And I’ll be needing the help of my teammates and coaches for that,” Nisperos said.

“I know I have grit, perseverance and reliability. I’m working on myself to become the best version of the player and teammate Akari needs.”

As she continues her quest to regain her lethal form, Nisperos remains patient with her progress. Akari has one more preseason assignment against PLDT in Lanao del Norte on Aug. 15, giving her another opportunity to build on her return.

“I take my recovery one day at a time. Despite my body being healed, I still have a lot to relearn on the court. I’m glad I have great muscle memory, but I still have to get used to the intensity of the PVL,” Nisperos said.