This current batch of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament has drawn criticism from fans due to a performance that fell short of the program’s traditionally high standards.
La Salle’s 9-5 finish in the elimination round marked its lowest win total since Season 70, when the school was forced to forfeit several games after Jacq Alarca continued to play despite filing for a leave of absence mid-season.
That year, the team ended with a 3-11 record.
From Season 71 onward, the Lady Spikers consistently notched double-digit wins in the eliminations, reinforcing their dominance in the league.
However, despite their rougher path this year, La Salle still has a shot at reclaiming the crown. The Lady Spikers eliminated University of Santo Tomas in four sets, 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21, to secure a spot in the best-of-three Finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Carrying the weight and honor of being part of head coach Ramil de Jesus’ storied program, team captain Angel Canino feels determined to uphold the legacy in the championship series.
La Salle will face defending champion National University in the Finals, which begins on March 11 at the historic Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ako I start with pride. I think, pinaka-importante din talaga na papuntang Finals, kailangan sa mga players ng La Salle ‘yung pride dala-dala nila,” said Canino, who scored 19 points in the victory.
“Kasi part of the legacy din ni Coach Ramil ‘yon, eh — na nabuo na over the years na naging coach si Coach Ramil. Isa rin ‘yung pagiging Lady Spikers, ‘yung tinatawag na Lady Spikers — ‘yung value ng pagiging Lady Spikers.”
Coach Ramil de Jesus, who has led La Salle to all 12 of its UAAP championships, is making his 21st Finals appearance this season.
Canino, the Season 85 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, emphasized the responsibility of living up to the Lady Spikers’ name — and the values that De Jesus has instilled over his 28-year coaching tenure at La Salle.
“Siyempre, coming to the Finals, kailangan may values ka sa sarili mo na maibabahagi mo din sa team, at makikita din naman ‘yon sa loob ng court. And also, self-discipline and respect sa kalaban — ‘yun din talaga ang ikinakilala kay Coach Ramil,” she stressed.
“With Coach Ramil, kailangan may respeto ka sa kalaban, may disiplina ka at may pride ka habang naglalaro.”
