Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron attributed their success with the PLDT High Speed Hitters to the necessary adjustments they've made since joining the team earlier this year.
After failing to live up to lofty expectations in past conferences, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are one step closer to their PVL title aspirations.
The High Speed Hitters pulled off a hard-fought five-set victory against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-23, 25-27, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9, to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
A huge part of PLDT’s success has been the steady presence of Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron, who joined the High Speed Hitters earlier this year from the disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
Having also experiencing heartbreaks in previous conferences, Fajardo and Baron had extra motivation in their quarterfinal match against Chery Tiggo, which went the full distance.
Fajardo had 23 excellent sets, while Baron contributed nine markers, which included crucial points and blocks in the final frame.
“Motivation talaga ‘yung trinabaho namin sila at saka ‘yung gigil ba na gusto talaga namin manalo at saka tiwala sa isa’t isa,” Fajardo said during the post-game press conference.
“Pinaghugutan ko lang ‘yung experience not only doon sa buong conference but also sa buong volleyball career na pag ganitong pitpitan mas masarap maglaro,” Baron added.
But even with PLDT’s new-found success under KAF and Baron’s leadership, the two veterans made it clear that they are the ones who adjusted to coach Rald Ricafort’s system.
“Hindi ko iniisip na dahil sa addition kasi may sistema sila, kami ‘yung pumasok so kami yung nagadjust sa sistema so thankfully gumagana naman,” said Fajardo.
“Naka-adjust kami sa sistema ng PLDT and bumagay ‘yung laro namin and nagtutulong tulong talaga kami sa training and sa games,” said Baron.
The High Speed Hitters will need two more wins to bring home their first-ever PVL crown as they face the undefeated Akari Chargers in the semifinals on Thursday, August 29.