The strengthened connection of Kim Fajardo with the rest of the PLDT High Speed Hitters served as key to their five-set squeaker over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Kim Fajardo orchestrated the concerted thrust of PLDT to pull off a five-set escape act over the erstwhile-unbeaten Choco Mucho last March 19.
Fajardo kept the High Speed Hitters offense humming to the tune of 22 excellent sets. Her playmaking proved instrumental in dealing the Flying Titans their first defeat in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, creating a logjam in the standings with five teams all with 4-1 records.
For the 5-foot-8 setter, it’s all about trust.
“Tiwala talaga sa kahit sinong ipasok ni Coach (Rald Ricafort). Tiwala talaga buo hindi pwedeng tagilid ‘yung tiwala mo sa bawat isa, ‘yun talaga maguumpisa ‘yun,” shared Fajardo, who also had eight points and 12 digs in the win.
True enough, the La Salle product put unwavering faith in her teammates, so much so that all but two of PLDT’s nine fielded scorers contributed at least a point in the winning cause.
Savi Davison benefited the most with 21 points built on 18 attacks. Fajardo also activated Erika Santos, who had 14 markers, while middle blockers Majoy Baron and Dell Palomata scored eight apiece off the deliveries of the seasoned playmaker.
Fajardo even brought out the best in rookie Kiesha Bedonia, who delivered clutch hits late in the fifth set that propelled PLDT to a 4-1 record.
[Related: Ball is Life! | PVL rookie Kiesha Bedonia proves worth for PLDT vs. Sisi Rondina's Choco Mucho]
“Grabe ‘yung sakripisyo namin sa training. ‘Yung hirap and pagod talagang kailangan may mapuntahan, so ‘yun ‘yung motivation namin,” Fajardo said.
As PLDT’s connection continues to strengthen, the High Speed Hitters seek to sustain their fine form when they take on the Farm Fresh Foxies on March 23, Saturday.