It took her a long time to make her decision but, in the end, Fajardo just could not leave behind her beloved De La Salle Lady Spikers
One of the best playmakers in the country today, Fajardo decided to play out her fifth and final year of UAAP eligibility.
Fajardo had expressed ambivalence of returning for UAAP Season 79 since leading the Lady Spikers back to the UAAP mountain top last April.
The Batangueña had dodged questions about her return while she went through a whirlwind off-season which included a championship run in the PSL All-Filipino Conference, representing the country and the PSL in the FIVB Women’s CWC, and even a surprise return to the UAAP Beach Volleyball tournament where she ultimately failed to defend her crown.
Although she remained mum about her eventual decision, Fajardo quickly realized that she couldn’t leave her UAAP career a year short. Throughout the off-season, Fajardo had constantly played with her La Salle teammates in the PSL, greasing the wheels of her return.
“Lalaro ako. I love them (teammates) so much to leave. Hirap pa ko iwan sila knowing na may oras pa ko para makasama yung team,” she told reporters.
The two-time UAAP Best Setter heads into Season 79 as the only remaining senior on the La Salle roster with Ara Galang, Mika Reyes, and Cyd Demecillo moving having exhausted their playing years in Season 78.
2017 also becomes Fajardo’s seventh year in La Salle after serving a one-year residency in 2010, transferring from UST High School. She then sat out Season 74 due to off-court issues.
Fajardo knows that she is not only the oldest player on her team but also in the UAAP.
“Oo nga. Halos lahat ng kasabayan ko tapos na sa UAAP,” Fajardo reflected.
“For me kasi, ang hirap iwan ng team and the community knowing that I still have a year to play. For me, hindi pwedeng hindi ko gamitin yun. And syempre, yung love ko din for them. Hindi mawawala yun.”
The Lady Spikers have a tradition of winning titles in succession. With Fajardo back and a roster still filled with young talent, La Salle just became the favorites in a highly-contested Season 79.
