UAAP: ‘Confident’ Shaira Jardio, NU go for sweep, title repeat

NU libero Shaira Jardio during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals against La Salle Lady Spikers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Shaira Jardio has no doubt National University can complete a historic repeat as it goes for a series sweep against La Salle in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals on Wednesday.

The game will be played at Mall of Asia Arena, where the Lady Bulldogs captured their first two titles in the past three years.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals

With Bella Belen and Vange Alinsug doing the damage in offense, Jardio played the x-factor with her steady floor defense of 28 excellent receptions and 18 excellent digs to take Game 1 from La Salle, 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17, on Sunday in front of 15,192 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The third-year NU libero said she just embraced her role and did her job against the Lady Spikers, who were second in blocking and attacking in the elimination round.

“I just did my job on the court, and thankfully, it turned out well,” Jardio told the reporters in Filipino.

“I really focused on the ball, because you never really know where La Salle’s blocks will go, they’re very sneaky with their blocks. So yeah, I just kept my eyes on the ball.”

READ: On cusp of UAAP repeat, NU coach prepares team for ‘hardest part’

Jardio also lauded the two-time MVP Belen, who not only scored 19 points but also protected the floor with her, tallying 15 digs and 10 excellent receptions 

“My mindset was just to hold my position and make sure no ball landed in my area. I knew Ate Belle got my back,” Jardio added.

With a chance to complete a successful title defense, Jardio is confident they can get the job done in Game 2, hoping to give Belen and the other seniors a fitting sendoff before leaving the collegiate ranks.

“I’m really confident, like 101%. I know we’re going to give it our all as a team,” Jardio said. “Our mindset is probably the same as in Game 1, but we just need to polish a few things, especially our blocking.”