MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University skipper Kim Fajardo sent a heartfelt message to Ateneo de Manila University's Jia Morado after the two setters concluded their UAAP careers at the end of the Season 79 women's volleyball tournament.

Fajardo exited the UAAP as a champion, leading the Lady Spikers to a two-game sweep of the Lady Eagles in the Finals. It was a remarkable journey for the La Salle captain, who agonized for months whether or not to return for her final year of eligibility, before finally deciding to play.

Morado, meanwhile, stunned the Ateneo community when she announced that she will not return for UAAP Season 80, foregoing her final year of eligibility for the Lady Eagles.

"Jia, pag-isipan mo pa," Fajardo said on Tuesday. "Siyempre ako, doon din ako dumaan."

"Siguro, pag-isipan pa rin talagang mabuti kasi hindi rin natin alam, kakatapos pa rin lang ng UAAP," she also said. "Mahaba pa ang preparation for Season 80."

Asked if she believes that Morado will still change her mind, Fajardo said: "Sana, para no regrets."

Ever since Morado entered the UAAP in Season 76, she and Fajardo have been tipped against each other, with fans tabbing them as rivals. However, Fajardo insists that their "rivalry," if anything, was due to them playing for opposing schools rather than any real animosity.

"Friends kami," she added.

Indeed, Fajardo lauded Morado's skills, noting that she is capable of maximizing her spikers.

"Gusto ko lang din mag-thank you sa kanya," Fajardo also said. "Ang ganda rin ng nangyari sa amin this season, 'yung pag-represent namin sa mga schools namin. Na-challenge din ako, as a setter."

Fajardo won Best Setter honors in Seasons 78 and 79, edging Morado in both instances. She also beat out Morado for the Best Server trophy in Season 79.

Fajardo wasn't the only Lady Spiker to ask Morado to think further about her decision. Opposite hitter Kianna Dy sent a similar message to the Ateneo setter.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)