A day after the DLSU Lady Spikers fell to the NU Lady Bulldogs in their UAAP Season 87 opener, the mood within the green-and-white camp remains focused and determined. While the 23-25, 21-25, 18-25 loss was a tough start, Coach Ramil De Jesus and his squad are already looking ahead, ready to steady the ship and make the necessary adjustments.
“Siguro sa second game, steady na tayo.” Coach Ramil said in his post-game remarks, a sentiment that echoes the team’s mindset as they prepare for their next match against Adamson.
The loss, the first opening-day defeat in Coach Ramil’s 28-year coaching career, was a humbling experience but also a learning opportunity.
The Lady Bulldogs’ chemistry and experience were on full display, with NU’s championship core having played together since high school in Season 84. “Magkakilala na talaga sila,” Coach Ramil noted. “Isa sa mga strengths yan ng NU. Hindi sila na-ra-rattle, and alam nila ang go-to guys.”
For the Lady Spikers, the match highlighted areas for improvement. Angel Canino, typically a scoring powerhouse, was limited to just seven points, while the team struggled to match NU’s offensive firepower, being outscored in attacks 32-48. The floor defense, usually a strength, managed only 10 excellent digs and 10 excellent sets—numbers that will need to improve as the season progresses.
But Coach Ramil remains unfazed. “Hindi naman nananalo sa eliminations,” he reminded everyone. “Kailangan lang gapangin until finals, and by then, may confidence na ang mga bata.”
The game of volleyball is constantly evolving, and Coach Ramil knows the importance of adapting. “Nagbabago ang volleyball every year,” he said. “Key nito ang recruitment. Kailangan makakuha ka ng Class A na talent. Kasi kung Class B, matagal na process yan.”
For now, the focus is on patience and growth. “Kailangan bigyan ng oras ang setter,” Coach Ramil emphasized, acknowledging the need for the team’s new pieces to gel and find their rhythm.
Despite the loss, there were glimpses of what this team can become. The second set, in particular, showed flashes of potential, with Julyana Tolentino’s smoother distribution and Shevana Laput’s attacks keeping La Salle competitive. But NU’s composure and experience proved too much to overcome.
“Alam mong natalo ka, pero natuto ka,” Coach Ramil said. “And then ready kang ayusin yan sa sunod na laro.”
The Lady Spikers may have stumbled on this opening playdate, but the season is far from over. With 13 games left, there’s plenty of time to refine, regroup, and rise. The green-and-white faithful know this team has the talent, the heart, and the coaching to bounce back.
So, while the loss stings, it’s just the first chapter of a long story. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that Coach Ramil and his Lady Spikers always find a way to make it a story worth telling.
ANIMO LA SALLE!
