De La Salle University already knew all the Season 84 history between the Lady Spikers and National University heading into their first round matchup on Wednesday.
That the Lady Bulldogs were 4-0 last season against La Salle. That all those wins were in straight sets fashion.
That for sure motivated La Salle but there was an added boost this morning before going to the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
None other than head coach Ramil De Jesus, who is on leave of absence due to medical reasons, gave the Lady Spikers some words to carry on the court.
And those proved effective as La Salle just straight out dominated NU, 25-10, 25-15, 25-21, to sweep the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament first round. 
“Naging effective naman yung mga paalala namin pati nga si coach (Ramil) kaninang umaga nagbigay siya ng pep talk bago kami umalis. Ang ganda ng resulta,” said interim head coach Noel Orcullo during the post-game interview.
“Nagpaalala lang naman, binigyan lang sila ng mga reminders na hindi tayo pwedeng magpaintimidate. Maikli lang naman yung sinabi niya, brief lang talaga,” shared Orcullo.
Even though it was short and brief, that message was enough for the Lady Spikers to be hyped up.
Fifi Sharma, who was instrumental in finishing the Lady Bulldogs in the second and third sets, shared what it meant for them.
“It’s always meaningful when Coach Ramil gives us advice before the game syempre namimiss namin siya of course, so it means a lot to us na he’s always there behind everything and he’s the main reason why we achieved this win today,” said the 5-foot-11 middle blocker.
She dropped 12 points, while Angel Canino top-scored with 14 points. Jolina Dela Cruz also added 11 points.
Canino, despite not being coached by De Jesus in a game yet in the league, also said how the message of their head coach impacted them.
“Sobrang laking impact po ni Coach Ramil sa buhay namin and as a team kaya kahit anong sabihin niya, sumusunod po kami. Sa lahat naman po ng coaches sumusunod kami.”
During the press conference for second semester sports, Orcullo said that De Jesus might return come second round.
When asked today, Orcullo said “Let’s wait and see rin.”
