Kim Fajardo finally played her first game after almost two years of being sidelined due to a recurring right knee trauma.
On Friday night, the 28-year-old setter was inserted late in the second set, eventually finishing with 11 excellent sets laced with two points to help F2 Logistics sweep defending champion Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-23, 25-22.
It was a sweet feeling for Fajardo, who has not played a game since March 3, 2020. However, she admitted that she is still not at a hundred percent.
"First time after two years na makalaro sa actual game," said the pride of Calatagan, Batangas. "Okay na rin yung naging galaw pero nangangapa pa. Pero kilala ko na sila at yung sistema nandun naman. Kaunting ayos pa. Nagse-set lang ako sa kanila. Walang game. Pero okay naman yung kinalabasan ng laro ko kanina pero marami pang kailangan ayusin."
"Yun yung inaalalayan ko kasi hindi ko pa alam yung kaya ko bigay. Seventy to eighty percent pa lang ako," she admitted. "Titignan ko mamaya kung mamaga. So far nagiging okay naman progress ko. Ginagawa ko, everyday conditioning and therapy."
In Fajardo's absence, veteran setter Iris Tolenada took over the playmaking duties for the Cargo Movers.
The latter even helped the team claim the first-ever PNVF Champions League title, leading F2 Logistics to an undefeated 5-0 slate while also nabbing the Best Setter award.
"Okay naman kami at alam naman namin yung kaya naming pareho and it's a healthy competition," Fajardo revealed.
"Okay kaming dalawa. Kung mayroon kailangan i-adjust, nagsasabihan kami at open kami sa suggestions. Ganun kami. Sobrang okay," she added.
Still not at her best form, Fajardo is hoping that she can finally play at her full potential late in the PVL Open Conference.
"Tignan natin sa mga susunod. Siguro, dahan-dahan lang at hindi pa ako puwede ipasok ng buong game. Siguro pa end ng competition, tignan natin." (DJ)
