RAMIL DE JESUS TIPS HAT TO 'REALLY SOLID' NU LADY BULLDOGS

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle Lady Spikers head coach Ramil De Jesus tipped his hat to the defending champs NU Lady Bulldogs, who defeated his team in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, in their UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball opening match at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

De Jesus admired the Lady Bulldogs' chemistry that had been built since their high school days, especially with the core of reigning MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Vangie Alinsug.

"They've been together for a long time, since high school," said De Jesus.

"That's their main strength because they've been together for so long, they already know each other's weaknesses and strengths. That's their advantage. They don't get rattled, they know the go-to-guy. NU is really solid."

For the first time in 28 years, De Jesus lost in a UAAP opening game.

The 12-time champion coach admitted that it hurt a little but he's preaching patience for his team.

"I told them that this is the first time I lost in an opening game in my 28 years in the UAAP, it hurts a little but of course you need to understand the kids as well. We all know that everyone wants to win but NU just wanted it more," said De Jesus.

"I told them that the real fight is in the finals not here in the eliminations, the important thing is for us to make the top two or top four and they'll probably get more confidence at that point."

Of course, the Lady Spikers have to learn from this loss, though, as they head to their next game against the Adamson Lady Falcons on February 22.

"The most important thing is you learn from the loss but if you don't learn anything then you lose completely. It's important to learn from and correct your mistakes in the next games."

2025-02-17T05:21:18Z