National University head coach Karl Dimaculangan sees the loss of the Lady Bulldogs to De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament finals as an opportunity to improve.
“Sa amin naman it’s an opportunity siguro para magimprove pa ulit next season,” said Dimaculangan.
NU’s reign came to an end on Sunday night after a heart-wrenching 25-19, 25-23, 15-25, 17-25, 15-10 loss to the Lady Spikers in Game Two at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Dimaculangan, who led the Lady Bulldogs to a historic 16-0 campaign that ended the school’s 65-year title drought last season, commended the entire La Salle team led by head coach Ramil De Jesus for their comeback from an 0-2 deficit to win the championship.
“Congrats to La Salle and their coaching staff, kay Coach Ramil [De Jesus]. Iba rin yung… trinabaho talaga nila ngayong season so yun nga congrats.”
The former UST setter mentioned that the Lady Spikers demonstrated championship composure in the endgame, enabling them to overcome the Lady Bulldogs and secure the victory.
“We know kasi na hindi siya magiging madali kahit up kami 2-0,” said Dimaculangan, who is a champion both as a player and a coach.
“Siguro yung composure namin again mas composure kasi sila talaga mas gusto nila than sa amin. Ok pa rin naman yung game na yun congrats sa kanila.”
Looking ahead, Dimaculangan remains determined and optimistic about the future of the Lady Bulldogs. With the lessons learned from this defeat, the team will use it as motivation to work harder and come back stronger next season.