By: Rom Anzures
After scoring only 17 points, three markers below his 20.3 ppg average in nine elimination games, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ace Louie Ramirez showed his versatility in their Game One win in the NCAA Season 98 Men’s Volleyball Tournament against San Beda University.
The 6-foot-3 open spiker from Pangasinan finished with 13 excellent receptions and bared that he just adjusted to how the Red Spikers were attacking the Altas on defense.
“Sa naging game ko kanina, kasi yung mga coaches namin sinasabihan kami na kung saan kami komportable, dun kami gumalaw. Kanina halos lahat ng bola sakin papunta,” he said.
“So sabi ko lang sa mga teammates ko na ako bahala sa receive, kayo bahala sa opensa kaya kahit ganon yung kinalabasan ng game namin, okay na ‘rin sakin kasi nagawa ko yung best ko kahit na wala yung offense na inaabangan nung mga teammate ko sakin.”
Veteran head coach Sammy Acaylar also said that while his expectations for the Perpetual star are higher given his stellar play, what is important is Ramirez still performed to steer them to only one win away from getting the championship.
“Hindi ako satisfied sa laro niya. Sabi ko sa kanya, physically and mentally, meron ka bang nararamdaman? Kasi hindi mo laro yan eh. Ang saakin, nag perform naman siya kahit hindi ako satisfied, okay lang basta naka puntos naman siya,” the decorated coach added.
“Ang challenge naman don is siyempre i-motivate mo sila. Yung last, nung third set, ang sabi ko sa kanila i-enjoy lang muna ninyo, kasi gusto ko makita how you play the game.”
Ramirez, who also won the Season 98 beach volleyball tournament alongside Jeff Marapoc, however, still led his squad in scoring, but said that it was the least of his concerns during the game.
“Di ko ‘rin akalain na napansin ni coach Sam ‘yon (his scoring performance) kasi nag focus talaga ako sa receive kasi ‘yun yung pinaka kulang namin sa team namin,” said Ramirez.
“Tiyaka lahat kasi talaga ng bola papunta sakin halos, wala sa opposite ko, kay Jeff, so hindi ko ‘rin akalain na ako yung best scorer.”
As for individual awards, Ramirez reiterated that he is not thinking about them because his top priority is getting the championship for Perpetual.
“Sa totoo lang po, di po namin iniisip yung mga award kasi nga, si coach Sammy lagi niyang sinasabi na yung award is bonus lang para saming mga player pero yung main goal namin is mag-champion po yung team.”
