Akari charged-up with Nisperos return

MANILA, Philippines — Faith Nisperos was once one of the country’s promising talents that came out from college, and her future looked bright when she signed up for the Akari Chargers three years ago in what was considered the biggest talent scoop-up back then.

Until a devastating knee injury the next year derailed her path to a potential stardom.

And now that the 5-11 winger and former two-time UAAP juniors MVP is back on her old stomping ground, Akari coach Tina Salak is excited to see her talented ward’s return and likened her to a phoenix rising from the ashes.

“I’m happy she has returned and she’s working hard and we expect to see a new Faith,” said Salak after Akari claimed its first win in two starts following a 27-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22 win over Choco Mucho over the weekend in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

It was a marked improvement to Nisperos’ two-point effort in Akari’s four-set defeat to ZUS Coffee last July 8 in Ilagan, Isabela.

Salak, however, stressed, they’re not rushing Nisperos, who contributed significantly in limited minutes as she scattered nine points.

“The important thing is the factor of Faith returning mentally,” said Salak. “We know it would be gradual, one step and one day at a time and she’s working hard to achieve it.”

Nisperos will have one more chance at testing her repaired knee cartilage when the Chargers battle the PLDT High Speed Hitters Saturday in Lanao del Norte.

In the long run, a renewed Nisperos would be great news for a franchise that is also waiting for the return of Mars Alba, Justine Jazareno and Fifi Sharma from Alas Pilipinas duties and earn that one shot at a breakthrough PVL crown.

Until then, Nisperos would have to stay patient.

“If there’s one thing, I didn’t lose my love for the game and that keeps me going,” said Nisperos.