Alas Pilipinas standout Fifi Sharma enjoyed a ‘a change of scenery’ as she played without pressure along with ABS-CBN stars in the Star Magic All-Star Games Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The middle blocker was grateful for the opportunity to compete in a more relaxed volleyball match in front of a packed crowd just days following the national squad’s historic bronze medal finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup.
“It’s fun because there’s no pressure coming into this game. All we had to do was have fun so it’s a good change of scenery,” Sharma said.
Sharma suited up for the Lady Setters but her 14-point effort wasn’t enough to upset the four-peat Ced Domingo and Dani Ravena-led Lady Spikers, 20-25, 25-22, 18-25.
Despite the loss, Sharma relished the experience of playing with celebrities and the unexpected warm support from the sold-out crowd.
The Akari ace had her share of loud cheers along with crowd-darling teammate and Best Setter winner Mikha Lim of BINI.
“Like people know me? Here, in the showbiz circle? It’s fun, the crowd was very energetic. It’s fun to play in front of a crowd like that,” said Sharma.
Other Premier Volleyball League stars middle blocker Ced Domingo and Dani Ravena of Akari backstopped the Lady Spikers.
“Playing with showbiz artists was so fun. As pros, we’re just there to support them. I’m happy that they were able to bring out their inner volleyball player,” Domingo, who played opposite spiker, said.
“They enjoyed [the game] at the same time they were very competitive. I’m really happy for them and us, pro players.”
Awra Briguela led the Lady Spikers with 23 points while Analain Salvador added 11 points on her way toa fourth straight Most Valuable Player award.
Meanwhile, Ronnie Alonte unleashed 27 points while Donny Pangilinan had a double-double of 16 markers and 11 rebounds to power Star Magic Blue to an 88-76 win over Cong’s Anbilababol Basketball in the basketball side game.
In the main feature, Gerald Anderson and the Star Magic Red found redemption after denying It’s Showtime a three-peat, 85-74.
JV Capunan paced Star Magic Red with 21 points, Lance Carr had 19 while Angel Saycon and Anderson scored 18 and nine, respectively.
Derick Hubalde had 20 points while JC De Vera and Ion Perez submitted 14 each in a lost cause for It’s Showtime.
