Kim Fajardo is determined to cap PLDT’s PVL on Tour Finals run with a championship, with getting the title as their ultimate goal.
Kim Fajardo knows reaching the PVL on Tour Finals is already a huge achievement for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, but she also knows the job is far from done.
The veteran setter is no stranger to winning championships and understands that momentum means nothing without securing the ultimate goal.
For her, the real celebration only happens if PLDT lifts the trophy on Sunday, August 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Fulfilling siya pero hindi pa satisfied,” Fajardo told One Sports. “Kulang pa eh kasi hindi pa naman tapos, meron pang isa sa Sunday. Siguro kung makuha namin ’yun, doon ko masasabi na lumaban talaga at nilaban talaga. Hindi naman ito ’yung goal namin eh na mag-Finals lang, gusto namin mag-champion.”
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Fajardo has seen a resurgence for the High Speed Hitters' in their near-perfect preseason campaign after making a full return from a knee injury.
While her competitive fire remains strong, the former DLSU standout admits there are moments she holds back to protect herself.
“May mga times na parang nagda-doubt pa rin ako sa sarili ko kung kaya ko ba. Kasi hindi ko alam kung ipu-push ko ba o magkakaroon ba ng diperensiya 'yung tuhod ka 'pag ginawa ko 'yung mga certain movements. So, hindi pa rin eh, inaalalayan ko pa rin hanggang matapos, hanggang sa dulo,” she said.
Nonetheless, Fajardo’s determination has become a rallying point for PLDT. In fact, team captain Kath Arado sees her as both a standard and a source of motivation in training.
“Lagi ko siyang inaano sa training namin na, 'Oh, bakit kayo napapagod? 'Yung Kim Fajardo nga hindi napapagod eh.' So parang nagiging jokes siya samin pero at the same time motivation siya,” said Arado.
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The same sentiment was shared by head coach Rald Ricafort, emphasizing that Fajardo’s leadership is central to the High Speed Hitters’ offense and overall game plan.
With her experience and skill, Ricafort believes she can help bring PLDT over the finish line.
“Halos sa kanya talaga naka-credit ‘yung pag-run talaga ng offense namin. Ayun nga 'yung binabanggit before na... kasi kahit naglaro siya nung previous conferences, parang nasa 40% lang siya dahil dun sa iniinda nya [sa] tuhod and all,” Ricafort said.
“Talagang malaking bagay kasi since AVC, since itong conference kumbaga [siya] na 'yung coach sa loob na nagra-run ng gusto kong mangyari, so napakalaking bagay.”
Doubts and all, Fajardo clings to the belief that she can lift PVL titles with the High Speed Hitters.
“Gusto ko talagang mag-champion. Wala naman ibang hahawakan eh, kami-kami lang ito,” Fajardo concluded.