Kim Fajardo finally has the kind of dilemma every setter dreams of — too many weapons to choose from.
The veteran PLDT playmaker called it a “good problem” as the High Speed Hitters unleashed their deepest lineup yet in the 2025 PVL Invitational, a squad finally reinforced by Alas Pilipinas standouts Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata.
Their return bolsters a championship-caliber core that already features Savannah Davison, Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Kiesha Bedonia, giving Fajardo an enviable arsenal.
“Honestly, ano siya eh, good problem,” Fajardo said after PLDT’s dominant 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 sweep of guest team Kobe Shinwa University on Monday.
“Lahat talaga gusto mag-contribute at lahat, alam natin na magco-contribute talaga.”
Injuries and national team call-ups have often kept PLDT from showing its full potential.
Malaluan and Palomata’s previous stints with Alas Pilipinas left the High Speed Hitters shorthanded in crucial stretches.
(C) PVL Images
But this Invitational, half a year in the making, is the first time Fajardo can fully orchestrate a complete offensive scheme.
“Yung tiwala rin talaga, tiwala rin nila na mabibigay ko nang maayos yung bola, tiwala ko sa kanila na makaka-decide nang maayos, makakapuntos, at mapapanalo yung mga laro,” Fajardo added.
That trust showed on Monday night at the Philsports Arena. Davison paced PLDT with 17 points, while Malaluan added 12 and Reyes chipped in 11. Baron and Dy provided steady support with six and five points, respectively.
“Nasa isip ko lang talaga before mag-start yung game is yung paano kami makakasabay. Alam natin kung paano maglaro mga Hapon eh. Yun muna,” said Fajardo.
“Pagdating sa game, talagang kita natin kung papaano nga makakasabay. Happy rin ako na nagawa yung game plan at nakuha yung panalo.”
