PVL: Zoi Faki enjoys PH debut despite Choco Mucho loss

Choco Mucho’s Zoi Faki smiles during a game against Cignal in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Despite starting the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign off the wrong foot, Choco Mucho’s Zoi Faki is honored to finally experience the level of Philippine volleyball and its overwhelming fan support.

Faki debuted in the Philippines with 13 points, 10 excellent receptions, and eight digs but her effort went for naught after Choco Mucho got swept by Cignal, 25-18, 25-21, 25-16, in Pool B on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

The Greek reinforcement admitted it wasn’t a good first experience losing their first game but she still enjoyed playing for the Flying Titans, who were still cheered by thousands of fans.

Choco Mucho’s import Zoi Faki after her #PVL2024 debut. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/w79s2UrJ1k

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 18, 2024

“The experience was amazing. It was truly amazing to get out of the tunnel for warm-ups and just listening to the Choco Mucho fans. It’s one of my first times actually living something like this,” said Faki. “We didn’t get the result that we wanted, so I couldn’t say it was a good first experience, I would say, but we got a lot of lessons from this game and we’re moving forward.”

The 6-foot-1 hitter, who played for the University of Pittsburgh and San Diego University and experienced the Elite Eight with the Panthers three years ago, believes the level of play in the Philippines is “great.”

“Filipinos have a lot of defense and I think that it was very clear to me that even if I was taking smart shots, even if I was going with power, Cignal did a great job on getting the ball up,” said Faki. “I would say it’s a hard level to play if you’re not used to the rallies.”

Although she may be a PVL first-time, Faki is aware of the huge void she’s filling in as former All-Filipino MVP Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag will miss the majority of the midseason due to their commitment to Alas Pilipinas.

And she knows her presence is vital to coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system in their bid to overcome the finals hump this Reinforced Conference after settling for back-to-back runner-up finishes in the past two All-Filipino. 

I think the system is great. We have a totally new lineup. Like the starters, they’re totally new than last season. We’re missing a lot of key players. They took the team to the championship [series] last conference. But we need time. That’s all I have to say,” Faki said. “I think that we’re playing great. I think that we have a lot of potential. I think the passion is there, but we need time. It’s a fresh, new lineup. I think we have it inside us and we keep going.”

Choco Mucho eyes to enter the win column in Pool B on Tuesday against Akari.