OVER 12 years removed from one of the most painful chapters in the history of La Salle’s storied women’s volleyball program, deputy coach Noel Orcullo has no interest in reliving the past.
That heartbreak came in the UAAP Season 76 women's volleyball finals, when the Lady Spikers completed a 14-0 elimination-round sweep and held a rare thrice-to-beat advantage, only to fall short of the championship.
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On the other side was a prodigious Alyssa Valdez and the rest of the Ateneo Lady Eagles, whose historic Cinderella run through the stepladder ended La Salle’s title bid in stunning fashion.
For Orcullo, who was part of that campaign from the sidelines alongside head coach Ramil de Jesus, the memory remains a cautionary teale.
"’Yung nightmare namin nu’ng Season 76, talagang ayaw namin maulit," he said.
Now back in a familiar position but with a vastly different roster and a game that has continued to evolve, La Salle finds itself once again on the cusp, this time determined to finish what it started.
After putting themselves in position to contend for the title, the Lady Spikers are making sure history does not repeat itself.
“Itong nangyari ngayon, na waiting kami para sa championship, talagang pagtatrabahuan namin nang husto. ‘Yung focus talaga, hindi namin aalisin. Kung ano ‘yung sinimulan namin, kung ano ‘yung goal namin, du’n kami," Orcullo said.
"Hindi kami bibitaw, bawat isa. Kung ano ‘yung goal ng coach, kung ano ‘yung goal ng players, du’n kami.”
Finish the story
Orcullo emphasized the present-day Lady Spikers are anchored on consistency and shared commitment - traits they believe will carry them through the final hurdle against three-peat-seeking National University for a first title in three years.
“Kung paano namin binuo ‘to, kung paano namin inumpisahan, ganu’n din namin tatapusin," Orcullo vowed.
With a completely new core and a system refined through years of experience, La Salle is looking to finally close the chapter on one of the few blemishes in its decorated history.
This time, the Lady Spikers are not just chasing another title; they're also looking for closure.
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