WITH University of the Philippines’ Final Four hopes hanging in the balance, Jelai Gajero stood up and stood tall when it mattered most.
Continuing to step up in the absence of injured teammate Casiey Dongallo, Gajero proved to be a terror at the net for the Fighting Maroons, as they took down Katipunan rival Ateneo in straight sets.
READ: UP injects new life into playoff hopes after sweeping Ateneo
The opposite hitter finished with seven blocks for a total of 13 points alongside 14 excellent digs.
“Si Casiey na-injured, so kailangan po talaga mag-extra effort kami, lalo na sa scoring, sa lahat po,” she told SPIN.ph afterward.
Indeed, the 5-foot-7 Gajero proved extra in standing as the strongest part of the maroon-and-green wall, winding up with more kill blocks than four-time second-best middle blocker Nina Ytang.
For her, however, the moment wasn’t about reinvention, but a return to familiarity.
As she put it, “Sa akin po kasi, ang original position ko talaga is opposite, so mas gamay ko yung opposite position. Since high school, opposite na yung nilalaro ko. Sa outside, parang inaaral ko pa siya; yung receive, defense.”
That comfort showed. With teammates Kianne Olango and Irah Jaboneta taking care of the other end, she settled back into her natural role.
Beyond individual comfort, it was discipline that defined her performance, as she emphasized how preparation and trust in the system dictated their execution.
“Sinusunod ko lang talaga yung markings na binigay sa amin ni (coach) Fabio [Menta], since inaral talaga namin yung Ateneo,” she added.
UP Fight
At 5-6, the Fighting Maroons remain in a must-win situation, but with renewed vigor together with timely adjustments and collective effort, they hope to stay alive and kicking in the playoff race.
“Sa amin po, focus lang talaga lalo na yung mga sinasabi ng coaches, yung adjustment. Kailangan namin mag-adjust kasi hindi lang pwede yung laro lang namin. Alam namin yung strength nila, yung weaknesses nila,” Gajero said.
“Sa amin po talaga, parang do-or-die na siya, so kailangan ibigay na namin lahat.”
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