BY Gwen Bergado
SHAIRA Jardio always got the backs of National U's star spikers.
Happy in her supporting role, the defensive specialist gives her all to make it possible for the Lady Bulldogs' fully-loaded offensive arsenal to fire on all cylinders.
“Masaya na ‘ko kapag napapatay nila [yung bola],” she shared with SPIN.ph.
“Kasi parang ‘yung pinaghirapan naming dalawa ni ate Lams [Lamina], ‘yun ‘yung bunga,” she continued.
Indeed, with the 5-foot-2 libero taking care of majority of digs and receives and Lamina making plays, the likes of reigning MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vange Alinsug have had no problems stuffing the stat sheets with points.
Through 12 matches in the blue-and-gold's title defense, Jardio ranks third in digs (3.64 per set) and fourth in receptions (42.07-percent efficiency).
“Lagi lang kaming naka-support. Kahit minsan lang kami nakikita, pero at least sila, ok,”
she said.
Shaira's not shy about the ultimate prize
Not only is the 21 year old a little-known star in NU's bright constellation, she has also taken a backseat when it comes to conversations about liberos which have long been dominated by University of Santo Tomas' Detdet Pepito and now include emerging talents like Lyka de Leon of La Salle and Angge Reyes of University of the East.
Still, she doesn't mind - and all that matters in her heart of hearts is to help the Lady Bulldogs keep their paws on the golden trophy.
As she worded it out, “Ang motivation ko po is mag back-to-back kami."
Her name may never be mentioned in the same breath as Belen, Solomon, Alinsug, or Pepito, but from wherever she may be on the court, Jardio will never be forgotten by National U's players and fans.
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