MANILA, Philippines – Winning championships is always the goal for an athlete, but the De La Salle University Lady Spikers are especially motivated to win the women's volleyball crown in the UAAP Season 79 tournament.

The defending champions are determined to not only retain their crown, but also to give graduating setter and team captain Kim Fajardo a glorious sendoff in her UAAP career.

Fajardo is the lone graduating player for La Salle, and since her much publicized decision to return for her final playing year, the younger Lady Spikers have often said that she is their inspiration to win this season.

They doubled down on that following a four-set victory over their archrivals, the Ateneo Lady Eagles, in Game 1 of the Finals on Tuesday.

"Siguro, may hugot factor din kami, since hindi kami nanalo noong elimination round (against Ateneo)," said La Salle utility spiker Kianna Dy. "And siyempre, we really want to defend the crown and do it for Ate Kim."

[We were motivated because we didn't beat Ateneo in the elimination round. Of course, we want to defend the crown and do it for Ate Kim.]

"Sinasabi niya sa amin na wala ng bibigay hanggang dulo, kasi nga gusto namin ng championship para kay Ate Kim," added Des Cheng, who scored 10 points in the victory.

[She told us not to give up. We really want to win the championship for Ate Kim.]

Initially, Fajardo had been uncomfortable with the idea that she should serve as the motivating factor for her teammates. The veteran setter believed that the Lady Spikers should want to win for themselves, and for the school.

After Game 1 of the Finals, however, Fajardo is starting to come around.

"Siguro, kung 'yun ang makakatulong para makalaro ng maayos, then why not," she said of La Salle's rallying cry to win for her.

[If that will help them play well, then why not?]

Fajardo not only serves as La Salle's inspiration, however. She is the engine that runs the Lady Spikers, and in Game 1, she had them humming. Fajardo finished with 10 points and 37 excellent sets, and anchored the Lady Spikers' run in the second set that shifted the momentum in their favor for good.

"Mas gusto niya manalo," La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus of his veteran player. "'Yung pagiging leader niya, lumabas. Sinundan na lang ng mga teammates niya."

[She really wants to win. Her leadership skills shone, and her teammates followed her lead.]

Fajardo is hopeful that Game 2 of the Finals will be her last collegiate match, and her teammates are determined to make that happen.

"Yes, last game na niya sa Saturday," said Cheng. "As much as possible, 'di na talaga (mag Game 3). Lalaban kami hanggang dulo."

[Yes, Saturday will be her last game. As much as possible, we won't let it go to a Game 3. We'll fight until the end.]

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