Defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers are bent on winning back-to-back titles, and they are not letting any distractions affect their preparation.
With Game One of the Finals against their rivals, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, starting on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Lady Spikers have declined to participate in all media-related activities.
“Sorry but the outsiders will not be allowed since it’s a non-working day. The entry permit will not be processed. Also, coach Ramil [de Jesus] declined all media-related activities. I’m sorry about this,” La Salle Office of Sports Development official Joy Lanting responded when reporters tried asking permission for the Lady Spikers’ media availability.
The nine-time UAAP champions have been known to decline interviews right before they hit the Finals, opting to peacefully practice before the biggest matches of the year.
Having won championships even before volleyball began getting this much media coverage, La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus definitely knows what he’s doing.
The Lady Spikers had lost both their elimination round matches to the Lady Eagles in disappointing fashion. La Salle will need every bit of prep if they hope to defeat a confident Lady Eagles side in the Finals for the fourth time in six seasons.
