By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
FOR the third straight time, the De La Salle Lady Spikers were crowned women’s volleyball champions in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). It is a further testament to how the Taft-based squad has become the team others in the league are being measured and along with it rendered themselves as a “dynasty.”
But unlike previous editions of the green and white, the Season 80 team admitted its road to the title this year was a tough one, and that it really had to work hard and earn the championship.
“This team was different because unlike the previous ones this was not as steady. We all know how great a setter Kim Fajardo was for us so it was hard to replace her,” said coach Ramil De Jesus, who led La Salle to its second three-peat in eight years and 11th title overall.
“It was a tough season because at the start of the elimination round the team was shaky. We lost two times and as the season progressed we kept making adjustments and eventually we were able to fix what we needed to fix,” he added.
And the Lady Spikers punctuated their season with an impressive performance in the finals, sweeping the much-improved Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their best-of- three championship series.
La Salle closed out things with a 26-24, 25-20 and 26-24 victory in Game Two on Wednesday where it showed its steady composure and focus and go-getting mind-set anew, which FEU just could not match.
Kim Kianna Dy paced La Salle with 19 points with Majoy Baron and Tiamzon adding 10 each in the win.
Graduating libero Dawn Macandili had 21 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions. She was later named finals most valuable player.
“I’m happy with this championship. The players really gave their best and they deserve this,” a proud Mr. De Jesus said.
GRATEFUL GRADUATING PLAYERS
For La Salle’s trio of graduating players — Dy, Baron and Macandili — their stay in Taft was a memorable one and that they are grateful for the opportunity given to them.
“Five years with La Salle was all worth it. It was the best decision to go to La Salle as I was developed not only as a player but as individual person as well,” said Macandili, who ended her collegiate career as one of the top liberos in the history of the UAAP.
“I’m just thankful to the school and coach Ramil for giving us the chance and seeing our potential as players and developing us. We have come so far and this title is for them,” Dy, for her part, said.
One-time league most valuable player Baron, meanwhile, gave praise to Mr. De Jesus, who she likened to being a father to them with his own style of guidance.
“He (De Jesus) is not the type who will praise you every time. So he really pushed us not to settle for what we have and continue improving. That is how he handled us which really made a huge difference,” Baron said.
“It’s fulfilling that we ended our careers with La Salle with a championship,” she added.
With its 11th UAAP women’s volleyball title, La Salle continued with its ascent in total hauls. It currently ranks third in the all-time list behind FEU (29) and University of Santo Tomas (15).
The Lady Spikers are also right smack in an impressive run, having made it to 10 straight finals appearances.

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