There was plenty of clamor after the DLSU Lady Spikers’ surprising loss to the NU Lady Bulldogs last Wednesday.
But, in true La Salle fashion, the perennial finalists threw down the gauntlet in their following match, disposing of the Adamson Lady Falcons quickly.
DLSU head coach, Ramil De Jesus called his team’s veterans out last Wednesday and it seems he got a quick answer.
The decorated head coach wasn’t particularly happy with how his team captain, setter Kim Fajardo played both as a leader and captain.
Against Adamson, Fajardo played inspired volleyball, not only dishing out 18 excellent sets but also scoring nine points.
“Kasi (against NU) aminado ako na hindi ‘yun ‘yung best ko. Gusto ko lang punan kung saan ako nagkulang. Naging motivation talaga sa akin ‘yun na makabawi nagayon,” the fourth-year setter said.
Most of the difficulty of leading for Fajardo comes from finding ways to motivate her teammates in heated situation of the match. Unlike spikers, setters rarely get the type of highlight plays the ignite a team’s spirit.
“Hindi ko alam kung paano ko ipapakita kung paano ba lumaban. Hindi naman ako spiker, talagang nagse-set lang ako. Doon nanggagaling ‘yung pressure. Pero ‘yun nga ‘yung challenge doon – paano mo mao-overcome ‘yung pressure.”
For now, Fajardo is looking to adapt a leadership style between the BMDC Aby Maraño’s and the quiet, lead-by-example style of Ara Galang.
“Si Ate Aby sobrang vocal, si Ara naman, tahimik. Ang sinasabi nga sa akin hanapin ko ‘yung gitna noong dalawa. Para sa akin, kailangan ko gumawa nang sarili kong style – gumawa nang sarili kong pangalan as a captain ng La Salle.”
Fajardo also revealed after the match that she was experiencing dysmmenorhea during their match against NU. Like all female athletes, Fajardo had found a way to deal with her monthly period. But, apparently, she hadn’t experienced playing through the first day of her period.
“Ang hirap talaga kasi hindi mo talaga alam kung kailan ka dadatnan. Kaya noong game, talagang kinabahan na ako,” Fajardo said.
For the following games, Fajardo and the talented Lady Spikers only have their foes standing in the way of winning.
They take on the UE Lady Warriors on Sunday, February 21 2 p.m. at the MoA Arena.
