NIKOLE JAVIER 

The La Salle Lady Spikers were caught by surprise but responded convincingly when long-time head tactician Ramil De Jesus made his return to the team after missing the first round. 

Just in time for its second-round encounter with National University, La Salle players couldn’t hide their excitement when the multi-titled coach finally took the coaching duties in their 26-24, 26-24, 25-16 straight-set win over the defending champion last March 25. 

A night prior, the players and even interim mentor Noel Orcullo, who steered the Lady Spikers to a 7-0 slate in the first round, were uncertain if De Jesus will make it to the game or not.

“Hindi namin ine-expect kasi kanina dumating siya hindi namin alam na magco-coach siya ngayon. Noong nasa dugout siya kasama namin parang binibiro niya pa kami na ‘doon lang ako sa likod.’ Pero pinilit naman namin siya. Thankful kami kay coach Ramil kasi iyong sinabi ni Angel nilaban niya tong araw na to and para sa kaniya rin iyong laban namin,” said graduating player Jolina Dela Cruz who also tallied 12 points. 

“Sobrang overwhelmed ako kasi nga andiyan na siya. Iyong lagi kong inaalala pag maglalaro ‘yong duda sa sarili, kakayanin ko ba, ngayon andiyan siya sobrang overwhelmed kasi nga kagabi nagbiro sa akin. ‘Tanungin niyo si Noel baka nage-enjoy pa siya eh.’ Sabi ko, ‘hindi, ikaw ang kailangan ko,’” detailed Orcullo. 

However, Orcullo remains unsure what the coaching set-up will be like in the upcoming games whether he will continue serving on an interim basis as a head coach or De Jesus would call the shots anew. 

La Salle hiked to 8-0 in the standings to kick off its second-round campaign, its best start in eight seasons. 

With NU’s adjusted game plan, La Salle had to shake off its slow start and maintain endgame composure to complete the elims sweep against the reigning champion.

After limiting their errors to 11 and 12, respectively, in the back-to-back meetings, Orcullo is hoping that by their next game, the league-leading La Salle will keep it in single digit. 

“Tumaas nga ng isa eh. Last time 11 lang iyan. Hopefully by next single digit na lang iyan. Iyong errors namin. Pa-practicin pa namin na i-minimize iyong errors,” added Orcullo.