In his nearly 30-year tenure coaching De La Salle University in the UAAP, coach Ramil de Jesus has an eye for special talent.
The 12-time champion mentor has witnessed players like Alyssa Valdez, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and Rachel Anne Daquis lead their respective schools through championship eras, often in battles against his fabled Lady Spikers.
One player poised to give him headaches in the years to come is National University newcomer Sam Cantada, who has emerged as a revelation for the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Despite starting off the bench, Cantada led NU with 13 points in the defending champions’ four-set loss to La Salle on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After the game, however, De Jesus was full of praise for the former UAAP Girls’ Volleyball MVP, who has quickly earned a place among the post-pandemic “super rookies” alongside La Salle’s Angel Canino, NU’s Bella Belen, and Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura.
“Siguro yung bata very talented; all-around player na pwedeng opposite o outside hitter… matatawag nating ‘super rookie’ na mga ka-level ni Angel nung rookie year,” said the former F2 Logistics mentor. “Sila ni Shaina Nitura and Belen—ganun.
“Swerte ang NU, napunta sa kanila. Di sa amin napunta,” he added in jest.
De Jesus noted that recruitment is a different ballgame now, and La Salle has had to play catch-up. Yet his staff’s ability to develop stars remains unmatched.
With third-year middle blocker Lilay Del Castillo sidelined against NU, rookie Vida Caringal stepped up as a starter. She contributed nine points to help the Lady Spikers prevail, proving she was ready for the moment.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Focusing on what’s missing isn’t the La Salle way. Under the legendary coach’s tutelage, there is always someone new ready to shine.
“Itong season na ‘to, parang less talent kami. Parang karamihan ng mga rookies ko from scratch, hindi talaga yung top recruits. Itong year na ‘to, talagang tinatrabaho namin yung mga rookies namin na pinipilit naming umabot sa level ng mga seniors,” he said.
“Ang nakakatuwa lang, yung iba nag-i-improve na. Mangyari na lang, pagdating ng oras, mahugot yung isa dun o mabigyan ng time para makapaglaro. Depende, mahaba pa naman yung tournament.”
Winning at NU’s expense allowed La Salle to close the first round with an impressive 7-0 record.
However, the FEU alumnus emphasized that this batch of Lady Spikers still has a long way to go before reaching championship form. He also noted that it will be a battle of adjustments between him and the other teams in the league.
More challenges lie ahead in the second round, particularly with Cantada and the Lady Bulldogs eager to seek redemption.
“Matagal naming pinaghandaan ito, so siguro itong first round na ‘to, ‘di mo masasabi na ito na ‘yun kasi mahaba pa yung tournament eh. Para sa akin kasi, gulatan lang sa first round and then second round, ayun na. Andun na lahat,” said De Jesus.
“Nakita na ng mga teams kung paano gumalaw yung team, and then sa bawat team ganun din. Pag-start ng second round, doon na natin makikita. Basahan na kasi. Lahat dun makikita na kung ano’ng adjustment gagawin sa kanya-kanyang team. Maswerte lang kami kasi nakauna kami ng mga panalo.”
#WATCH: SWERTE ANG NU, DI SA ‘MIN NAPUNTA 🏹
Ramil de Jesus sees Sam Cantada in the same league as past super rookies like Bella Belen and Shaina Nitura 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/XfzWo6534w
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/r6h5w40a2g
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 15, 2026
