Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/sports2/04/30/fajardovaldez-043016.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Alyssa Valdez and Kim Fajardo. Richard Esguerra, <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/volleyball/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – When Alyssa Valdez and Kim Fajardo exchanged a long hug as confetti fell all over the Araneta Coliseum court, they were not just meeting as captains of their respective teams – they were meeting as good pals who never let different uniforms come in the way of their friendship.Fajardo and Valdez teamed up for University of Santo Tomas (UST) in high school, leading the Tigresses to great success. They went their separate ways in college, however, as Fajardo suited up for De La Salle University, and Valdez moved to Katipunan to play for Ateneo de Manila University.They faced off for the final time on Saturday, in the do-or-die Game 3 of the UAAP Season 78 women&#x27;s volleyball Finals. Unlike the past two seasons, when Valdez stood tallest, it was Fajardo who came out on the winning end this time around.The veteran setter, who also showed her scoring chops throughout the season, led La Salle to a 19-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-16 victory to win their first title since Season 75, and their ninth overall.(READ: <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/news/2016/04/30/lady-spikers-complete-3-year-journey-title-9-11034">Lady Spikers complete 3-year journey with title No. 9</a>)Valdez was in tears as she hugged Fajardo, and the La Salle captain later said she understood her friend&#x27;s emotional display.&quot;Siyempre pagod din siya,&quot; Fajardo said. &quot;Nakita naman natin ang game niya.&quot;&quot;Sabi ko lang sa kanya, alam naman nating lahat na marami na siyang na-prove. Ayun nga, mag-start siya ng bagong career niya. Wala na ang UAAP, pero &#x27;yun lang naman ang nawawala, though malaking part ng buhay niya ang UAAP,&quot; she added.&quot;Pero siyempre, Alyssa Valdez pa rin siya, and alam pa rin niya sa sarili niya kung ano ang kaya niyang gawin.&quot;Fajardo said that nothing changed in her relationship with Valdez even though they went to separate schools.&quot;Magkaiba lang kami ng school, pero sobrang close pa rin kami,&quot; said Fajardo, twining the pointer and middle fingers of her right hand for emphasis. &quot;Nagsasabihan kami ng kung ano… pag may problema, kakausapin.&quot;&quot;Normal friends,&quot; she stressed. &quot;Pag sa labas, walang usapan ng volleyball. Walang usapan na magkalaban tayo. Sa court lang lahat &#x27;yun talaga.&quot;In her final game for Ateneo, Valdez finished with 31 points. Fajardo, meanwhile, had six points and 51 excellent sets for the Lady Spikers.(For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website.</a>)

When Alyssa Valdez and Kim Fajardo exchanged a long hug as confetti fell all over the Araneta Coliseum court, they were not just meeting as captains of their respective teams.

Fajardo pays tribute to good friend Alyssa Valdez

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Fajardo pays tribute to good friend Alyssa Valdez

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 30, 2016 09:06 PM PHT

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Updated May 01, 2016 08:07 AM PHT

Read More:

uaap

volleyball

alyssa valdez

kim fajardo

la salle lady spikers

ateneo lady eagles

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