WE can argue all we want on who are the greatest playmakers Philippine volleyball has ever seen, but without a doubt, two names will always be in the conversation.
And interestingly, both of them come from the same generation. This generation.
Because when it comes to the best setters, anybody will have to mention Alas Pilipinas captain Jia de Guzman and a former national team ace herself in Kim Fajardo.
READ: Alas Pilipinas wins bronze after brave fightback vs Indonesia
Long before donning the national colors, though, de Guzman and Fajardo orchestrated one of the biggest sporting rivalries in all of Philippine sports — Ateneo vs. La Salle in the UAAP.
Both setters crossed paths and duked it out for championship glory from Seasons 76 to 79, when de Guzman’s Blue Eagles (nee, Lady Eagles) won the first two and Fajardo’s Lady Spikers took the last two.
Although they’ve gone on to suit up for different club teams - and briefly shared the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) limelight for Creamline and now-defunct F2 Logistics - the mutual respect and admiration continue to stand the test of time.
Alas 'in good hands' with Jia
Following de Guzman’s decorated conquests as Alas skipper in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup and SEA V.League, an often softspoken Fajardo knew exactly how to describe the kind of player and leader her longtime rival is on and off the court.
“Alam mo si Jia, sa loob ng court, talagang alam mong alam niya ‘yung gusto niya. Magaling siya, magaling talaga na setter," Fajardo told SPIN.ph.
“Off the court, talagang tatrabahuin niya kung ano ‘yung kailangan ng mga tao. Ganu’n siyang tao.”
Fajardo, who played for flag and country in 2008 and then from 2017 to 2021, now carries out lead playmaking duties for a title-seeking PLDT side in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
And from one leader to another, Fajardo is at ease with the future of the national team under de Guzman’s wing.
“Siya ‘yung captain (kaya) alam kong nasa magandang kamay (ang national team).”
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