For the first time in 13 years, Ramil De Jesus and the De La Salle Lady Spikers started their UAAP campaign on the wrong foot.
The 12-time champions put up a fight but ultimately fell short against defending titleholder National University in straight sets, 23-25, 21-25, 18-25, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was an unfamiliar sight — De Jesus, a coaching icon, walking off the court with an opening-game loss.
La Salle hadn’t experienced that since December 2, 2012, when the team led by Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, and Michele Gumabao bowed to University of Santo Tomas in five sets.
While the loss stung, De Jesus acknowledged that setbacks are part of the game. He remains optimistic that his team — undergoing major adjustments following the departures of Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel — will learn and improve as the season progresses.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, first time kong matalo (ulit) sa opening game sa 28 years ko sa UAAP,” De Jesus admitted to reporters after the game.
“Sabi ko, sa batch niyo pa nangyari. Medyo masakit pero siyempre, kailangan din intindihin mo ‘yung side ng mga bata. Mahirap ‘yun. Alam naman natin na lahat gustong manalo eh, siguro mas gusto lang manalo ng NU kanina.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The 12-time UAAP champion coach stressed that what truly matters is how the team responds to the defeat. They can use it as a lesson to adjust, grow, and come back stronger in the games ahead.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, wala namang natatalo sa game eh. Basta alam mong (kahit) natalo ka, natuto ka. ‘Yun ang importante eh, natalo ka (pero) natuto ka. Pero kung natalo ka tapos wala kang natutunan, talagang talo ka nun,” said De Jesus.
“Importante, natalo ka pero may natutunan ka sa pagkatalo mo and ready kang i-correct ‘yan sa susunod na mga games,” he added.
De Jesus also reminded his players that wearing the Lady Spikers jersey comes with pressure and high expectations — something they must embrace and learn to thrive under, as it has always been a defining characteristic of the program.
“Siguro wake-up call sa kanila. Lahat naman kapag bagong team, kapag bagong generation, mataas ‘yung expectations, lalo na sa La Salle. Dahil nandoon ‘yung may Shevannah Laput ka, may Angel Canino, so mataas ‘yung expectations,” he said.
“Actually, sabi ko nga sa mga bata, ang totoong laban ay kapag umabot ka na ng Finals. Hindi dito sa eliminations. Importante lang na igapang natin na makapasok sa top two or top four. Doon siguro unti-unti nang magkakaroon ng kumpiyansa ang mga bata kapag umabot sa ganung punto.”
