De La Salle University’s “Batch 122” continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.
After leading the Lady Spikers to their 13th championship last May with a flawless 16-0 sweep of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, senior standouts Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon gave head coach Ramil De Jesus what he considers his greatest gift yet by choosing to stay for one final collegiate season.
Nearly two months later, De Jesus remains overwhelmed with gratitude and joy over the decision of his veteran quartet.
“Ayun yung pinakaswerteng natanggap ko na regalo ng mga seniors ko na nag-stay sila for the team, and hindi kaagad nagmadaling mag-pro,” said the legendary coach on Monday during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night at Discovery Suites Manila.
“Bihira yung ganoong seniors na ang mentality na hindi pansarili yung iniintindi kundi ang team. Kasi sabi nga nila hindi mo na mababalikan yung college days mo pagka nag-pro ka na.”
For De Jesus, it is not only their decision to stay that makes the four special, but also the commitment and selflessness they display every day in training.
Their return for UAAP Season 89 gives La Salle a significant boost as the Lady Spikers aim to defend their title and capture back-to-back championships.
“Mahabang bakasyon yung ginawa [ng players] kasi wala ka namang mahihiling sa mga bata kapag talagang nagpokus. Nandoon naman yung focus nila eh,” said the decorated tactician.
“Yun siguro yung mga nawala nung mga unang seniors ko na iba-iba yung goal nila. Ito kasing mga naiwan, eh iisa yung goal, eh magkaka-batch kasi. May mga times kasi na may mga ahead sa kanila, pero iba naman yung goal. Ito kasi iisa eh, iiba yung sisterhood nila.”
After falling short of the title in two consecutive seasons, La Salle reclaimed the championship in dominant fashion in Season 88. Now, with its championship core intact, the Lady Spikers are determined to defend their crown against every challenger.
“Yung bawat game naman dumadaan eh, so kung ano yung kahinatnan ng game, kung kulang yung preparation mo eh maghabol ka. Pero kung nandoon ka sa itaas, eh di ikaw yung habulin. Ganon ka-simple,” said De Jesus.
