FOLLOWING a previous season of disappointments, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers return to a familiar venue for this year’s UAAP Season 87: the Women’s Volleyball Tournament Final.
The comeback comes after recovering from a disappointing second set to defeat the third-ranked University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses on Saturday, 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Behind Angel Canino’s team-high 19 points, the Lady Spikers will renew their rivalry with the top-seeded National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, the third time in four seasons.
Along with the return of the finals, DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus will have the opportunity to seek his 13th league title in 21 visits in the promised land, as they look to recapture the crown they last won in Season 85.
A Legend’s Return
However, despite moving closer to their desired season conclusion, the veteran coach quickly set the tone for his players by emphasizing the necessity for additional improvements if they want to win the title.
“Antagal makapag-adjust and eventually nagpaikot kaagad ako ng setter ko. Nakita ko naman nag-work naman and inexpect ko pa na mas makagalaw pa sa susunod na game. Madami pa kaming dapat ayusin,” he said.
Despite being the longest-tenured UAAP volleyball coach and guiding hundreds of Lady Spikers through several generations, nothing has changed for De Jesus. The desire to see his players thrive is always the priority.
“Hard work lang yun kasi ito naman yung passion mo as a coach: yung maturan mo yung mga bata, madala mo sa kung ano at mailabas mo yung talent nila,” he told the media after their Final Four win.
“Once madala mo sa finals yung mga bata, malaking fulfillment yun para sa coach. Isa yun siguro sa nagmo-motivate sa akin para at least maituro mo sa kanila yung dapat nilang matutunan and then madala mo rin sila sa finals,” he went on to say.
Returning The Favor
Carrying the weight and honor of being a part of head coach De Jesus’ illustrious program, team captain Canino is motivated to continue the legacy in the championship series and repay her beloved mentor.
“Ako I start with pride. I think, pinaka-importante din talaga na papuntang Finals, kailangan sa mga players ng La Salle ‘yung pride dala-dala nila. Kasi part of the legacy din ni Coach Ramil ‘yon,“ Canino said.
“Nabuo na over the years na naging coach si Coach Ramil. Isa rin yung pagiging Lady Spikers, ‘yung tinatawag na Lady Spikers – ‘yung value ng pagiging Lady Spikers,” she added.
The Season 85 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player underlined the importance of upholding the Lady Spikers’ name, as well as the ideals instilled by De Jesus during his 28-year coaching tenure at La Salle.
“Coming to the Finals, kailangan may values ka sa sarili mo na maibabahagi mo din sa team, at makikita din naman yon sa loob ng court. And also, self-discipline and respect sa kalaban, ‘yun din talaga ang ikinakilala kay Coach Ramil,” she stressed.
Brace Yourselves
Meanwhile, the Taft-based team is not underestimating their opponent, as they must beat a formidable NU team that outlasted them twice in the elimination stage to claim the top seed.
Still, it’s not a good idea to dismiss a team led by De Jesus. While he respects NU’s accomplishment, which includes two championships in the last three seasons, he is already planning for another title run.
The first step is to go back to the drawing board and repair the flaws he noticed from the sidelines during their match with UST. “Kilala naman natin yung NU,” said De Jesus.
“Talagang since high school magkakasama na yung mga yan. Sobrang lalim ng experience nila sa isa’t isa. Siguro sa amin, talagang paghahandaan namin. Marami pa akong dapat iayos sa team.”
“Kanina, medyo happy kasi madami pa akong gustong makita na di ko nakita. Siguro kung ilalabas nila yung ine-expect ko sa kanila and makasabay kami and magkaroon ng chance at yung malaking chance,” he added.
The DLSU Lady Spikers will attempt to contain the raging NU Lady Bulldogs when their Finals series begins in the coming days. Will it be a repeat for NU? Or is DLSU’s redemption arc completed? Time will tell.
