RAMIL de Jesus isn’t just chasing wins this season. He’s sharpening La Salle for the moments that decide everything.
At 9-0 in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, the Lady Spikers have been nothing short of dominant.
But for the multi-titled tactician, the spotless record is merely a byproduct of a more deliberate goal: building a team that thrives, not trembles, when the pressure peaks.
READ: Sweep still in play as undefeated La Salle declaws UST
“Dumadating sa panahon kasi ito mga players ko naman, masasabi mo ng mga seniors,” said De Jesus, pointing to the growing maturity of his core.
“Parang nahinog na ito sa panahon sa dami ng laro, yung iba na exposed na sa international.”
That’s all starting to show now as La Salle has navigated tight sets and momentum swings with a composure that reflects not just talent, but experience.
It’s the kind that was forged over years of deep runs, heartbreaks and high-stakes matches.
Veterans like Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, in recent years, have taken ownership of those moments, guiding a roster that blends established stars with emerging contributors.
“Sila na rin ‘yung nag-gaguide,” de Jesus added.
“Natuto na rin sa mga previous experiences, ‘yung mga dating magkakamali na ito na naman tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon, nasa pressure game na naman tayo.”
It’s a clear shift from simply reacting to adversity to anticipating it.
For de Jesus, pressure is no longer something to avoid, but something to normalize.
“Siguro talagang dapat lang masanay ka sa mga ganong klase ng pressure.”
That approach has placed La Salle on the brink of another milestone as one more win will guarantee the Lady Spikers at least a playoff for the No. 4 seed.
While signs point towards a stepladder semifinals if La Salle completes the elimination round sweep, getting that safety net feels almost procedural given their current trajectory, but still a crucial step in their bid to win back the crown.
Yet even that isn’t the end goal.
La Salle’s unbeaten start may have put the rest of the field on notice. But inside the camp, the focus is far more exacting: to ensure that when the pressure mounts, the Lady Spikers don’t just survive it.
They own it.
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