Longtime La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus returns to the bench. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus’ return in the second round lit a fire under the already-rampaging Lady Spikers to complete an elimination round sweep of defending champions, National University Lady Bulldogs, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
De Jesus, who missed the past seven games due to personal matters, made a successful comeback and steer La Salle to its second win in a row against Season 84 tormentor NU, 26-24, 26-24, 25-16, to stay unbeaten in eight games.
Angel Canino and Jolina Dela Cruz were inspired by the 11-time UAAP champion coach calling the shots for the first time since last season’s Finals Game 2 on June 21, 2022.
WATCH: Jolina Dela Cruz, Angel Canino, and coach Noel Orcullo on coach RDJ’s comeback. #UAAPSeason85 pic.twitter.com/HmTJCqhJmi
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 25, 2023
Dela Cruz, who had 12 points including a team-high three blocks, said they didn’t know De Jesus know would coach them moments before their second-round duel with the Lady Bulldogs.
“We didn’t expect it because when he arrived earlier he was joking that he won’t coach and he will stay at the back [of the bench],” said the senior spiker, who also had nine excellent receptions, in Filipino.
“Pero pinilit namin siya: ‘Weh, mag-coach ka na ganyan.” Napilit naman namin siya,” she added.
(We asked him to coach us. We’re glad that we convinced him.)
‘HE FOUGHT WITH US’
Longtime La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus returns to the bench and leads Angel Canino and co to another win over NU. –UAAP PHOTO
Canino, who led the way anew for the Lady Spikers, relished her first time to be coached by De Jesus in a game but she insisted that she has the same respect for the multi-titled tactician and assistant Noel Orcullo.
“High respect to all the coaches, especially coach Noel and coach Ramil. It provided a huge impact on the team especially for me because this is my first time to be with him in a game,” said Canino in Filipino. “It feels good to see him inside the court. Before he was supporting us [even he was not at the venue]. Today, he fought with us and we fought for him.”
Dela Cruz agreed with the super rookie, expressing her gratitude to the longtime La Salle coach.
“His presence boosted our confidence. We have the same respect for coach Noel and coach Ramil. We were just excited because this is the first time that he coached us in a game [this season],” Dela Cruz said.
“We’re thankful to coach Ramil. As Angel said, he fought today and this [win] is for him.”