Setter Kim Fajardo and the PLDT High Speed Hitters during a game against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kim Fajardo banked on trust to utilize PLDT’s offensive weapons and stun erstwhile unbeaten Choco Mucho in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Fajardo brought out the best in the Highspeed Hitters with 22 excellent sets, 12 digs, and eight points to overcome the Flying Titans in five sets, 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 11-25, 15-13, to force a five-way tie at 4-1 with idle Creamline, Cignal, and Petro Gazz.
“Tiwala talaga sa kahit sinong ipasok ni coach. Yung tiwala talagang buo hindi pwedeng tagilid yung tiwala mo sa bawat isa, doon talaga maguumpisa yun,” said Fajardo after outwitting her former teammate and new Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba.
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With Fajardo’s brilliant playmaking, Savi Davison led PLDT with 21 point while Erika Santos stepped up with 14 points. Middle blockers Majoy Baron and Dell Palomata also chipped in eight points each, while Kiesha Bedonia, who only played in the last two sets, delivered four points including the crucial attacks in the fifth.
The former La Salle star didn’t want to waste their 10-day preparation. That’s why the Highspeed Hitters got their act together in the fifth despite blowing a two-set advantage.
PLDT High Speed Hitters.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Grabe yung sakripisyo namin sa training. Yung hirap and pagod talagang kailangan may mapuntahan so yun yung motivation namin,” said Fajardo.
The Filipino-Canadian Davison said they concentrated on Choco Mucho as a whole, not only on reigning MVP Sisi Rondina, who had 25 points, 17 receptions, and nine digs, and libero Thang Ponce making it hard for her with 33 digs and 13 receptions.
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“Everyone on that team is a hard worker. They’re very talented. Honestly, I’d like to shout out Ponce. I couldn’t get it away from her. But for the spikers, we’re challenged at practice but they bring on a little bit more,” said Davison.
“We just studied (them), we watched film, we practiced on how we’re gonna go about it — our blocking schemes, our defense schemes. I think we were blessed with the 10 days to really prepare for this much and I think it really paid off — studying this team.”
Forcing a five-way tie on top, PLDT is eager to sustain its momentum against Farm Fresh on Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.