Former Ateneo captain Alyssa Valdez and current La Salle playmaker Kim Fajardo go way back
Even before they had been recruited by the University of Santo Tomas Junior Tigresses program, the two Batangueñas have known and played with each other in elementary.
And all throughout the years, the pair proved that their friendship is stronger than the Ateneo de Manila University–De La Salle University rivalry. Despite slugging it out in four straight UAAP Women’s Volleyball Finals, Valdez and Fajardo have been very vocal about their friendship and continued support for each other.
Last season, Valdez left the UAAP in tears as Fajardo steered her Lady Spikers to the Season 78 championship. Fajardo remained in Taft and has again guided La Salle to another Finals meeting with Ateneo.
Seeing her buddy go up against her alma mater leaves Valdez torn. Even if La Salle beat Ateneo for the Season 79 crown, Valdez says she will still be elated for her best friend.
But, of course, she’s still rooting for her Lady Eagles to extend the Finals to a Game Three.
“Kim really deserves all the things that has happened and all the blessings that she got. Hindi natin masasabi ang mangyayari, pero for sure she’s going to give everything she has. Her leadership has been big for La Salle,” Valdez said after Creamline’s three-set win over Air Force.
“Kahit ano naman ang mangyari, we’re still going to be best friends.
“Of course, I’m going to be cheering for her and every player naman. Hindi ko naman matatanggi na I’m cheering for all the players kasi grabe talaga ang sacrifices nila to put out a great game. Definitely, we should all cheer for another good game and pray for no injuries,” the 23-year-old added.
All Valdez really wants is for she and Fajardo to be teammates again, whether it be in a club or on the National Team.
“Gusto ko lang talaga maging teammate kami in the future.
“I really do hope and I’m praying na it happens again,” the national team pool player declared.
