JAKARTA, Indonesia — Their match against Thailand was already over, but national women’s volleyball team captain Aby Maraño was still blushing like a giggling teenager.

She could not hide her elation after playing against her childhood hero — Pleumjit Thinkaow.

“I’m so happy,” Maraño told Daily Tribune’s Asiad coverage supported by Primehomes shortly after the Nationals absorbed a 22-25, 12-25, 15-25 beating from the reigning Southeast Asian Games champion.

“I’m so thankful that I had the chance to play with her again. She’s my childhood idol. I watch her highlights every time I play. I’m glad that I have the chance to play with her again and that I can do other things that she can do.”

Marano and Pleumjit are more than just competitors.

They are also good friends off the court.

They always tag each other on social media and never fail to say “hello” whenever they see each other.

They last met in the previous AVC Asian Senior Championships in Manila and the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur where they exchanged pleasantries and some pointers on how to make each other better.