Legendary La Salle Coach Acknowledges Ateneo’s Potential
Legendary La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus refuses to belittle rival Ateneo despite his Lady Spikers now holding a 13-game, seven-year winning streak against the Blue Eagles.
Respect for Opponents
Amid his legendary 27-year career, 12-time UAAP champion coach Ramil de Jesus was never one to underestimate any opponent of his La Salle Lady Spikers, and he is not keen to start now. After the defending champions imposed their height and skill for the 13th straight time against longtime rival Ateneo, De Jesus maintained that the Blue Eagles are not a team to be disregarded despite lagging near the bottom of the standings to kick off Season 86.
Focus on Preparation
De Jesus emphasized, “Whoever comes before us, we’ll prepare for them, whether it’s Ateneo, UST, FEU. All schools are big games for us.”
Performance Highlights
Despite the talent difference, La Salle showcased their best performance with Thea Gagate leading the defense and Shevana Laput contributing significantly. Reigning MVP Angel Canino also played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Ateneo’s Potential
De Jesus acknowledged Ateneo’s promising players, highlighting the skills of Lyann De Guzman and Sobe Buena. Despite their current standings, the Blue Eagles show potential for future success.
This iteration of the Blue Eagles may not be at their peak performance, but their talent suggests a bright future ahead. Even their rivals recognize the potential for Ateneo to rise again.