UAAP 82: Faith Nisperos gets passing marks in first game for Lady Eagles

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo rookie Faith Nisperos earned praise from her coach and teammates after a solid debut for the Lady Eagles in the UAAP Season 82 women's volleyball tournament.

The highly touted outside hitter showcased her power in scoring all of her 10 points on attacks, as the defending champions swept University of the Philippines, 25-13, 25-17, 25-23, on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Faith Nisperos put on a show in her Ateneo debut 🦅#UAAPSeason82Volleyball pic.twitter.com/oDLhGEpaPl

— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) March 4, 2020

Her scoring output might have been modest, but what pleased Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro was Nisperos' willingness to accept the role given to her.

"I'm happy na nakapaglaro na siya but, of course, like what I'm saying to Faith also, she should deliver kung ano 'yung job at hand," said Nisperos.

"It's not about making points, not about making a lot of points. It's about helping each other, for her, helping her teammates to improve also and to do their job.

"I'm really praying and I'm really convincing her to improve more and to work harder."

• READ: Ateneo begins repeat title quest in Battle of Katipunan

Ateneo veteran Kat Tolentino, who led the way with 15 points, was not surprised that Nisperos made an instant impact for the Lady Eagles.

"She's shown a lot of promise in practice," said the Fil-Canadian standout, who was last season's Best Opposite Hitter.

"I'm excited for more games to come. She did well in this game," Tolentino added.

.@faith_nisperos scores 10 points in her Ateneo debut. Here’s what she had to say about the game: pic.twitter.com/FBzVnYWAPQ

— Camille B. Naredo || LOUIS GAMBAN STAN ACCOUNT (@camillenaredo) March 4, 2020

For Nisperos, it was a dream come true to have finally made her UAAP seniors debut for the Lady Eagles. A star for Nazareth School of National University in high school, Nisperos committed to play for Ateneo in March 2019 and was immediately tabbed as a building block for the Lady Eagles' future.

She is expected to play a major role for the Katipunan spikers in their bid to retain the UAAP women's volleyball crown.

"It's really my dream," said Nisperos. "Of course, I felt a little nervous but first, but then I know, itong opportunity na ito is a blessing na binigay ni Lord. What I feel is I'm very grateful na binigay niya 'to sa akin."

After a solid debut, Almadro believes Nisperos will only continue to improve, as he hailed the young spiker's work ethic and coachability.

"Ang maganda kasi kay Faith, she really wants to perfect her skills," he said. " 'Yun lang sabi ko sa kaniya, na kailangan maging humble at mag-work hard pa. Laging may hunger sa talent . . . I just want her to be hungry all the time, every day, every practice, every game."

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