Two legendary UAAP coaches paying respects to one another after a thrilling five-set encounter in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
The University of Santo Tomas seemingly had all the answers against De La Salle University throughout the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
But more than the battle between the players, the longstanding DLSU-UST rivalry has also become a coaching duel between Kungfu Reyes and Ramil De Jesus.
In their head-to-head battles over the past decade, De Jesus has won 11 games as compared to Reyes’ nine.
But three of Reyes’ wins came this Season 86, with the last one eliminating the Lady Spikers from title contention.
While the battle between the two squads is as intense as ever, coach Kungfu's respect and praises for De Jesus will never falter.
“Gaya nung sinasabi ko, sa women's division sila na yung mga nilo-look up namin. Again, naglalaro pa ako diyan sa UST, si coach Ramil na to,” Reyes said during the post-game press conference.
“Ang pakiramdam lang nito parang sa volleyball community parang wala, parang tito ko na siya or parang tatay ko na siya dito sa volleyball talaga,” he added
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As UST celebrated reaching the Finals for the first time since 2019, De Jesus was the first to congratulate Reyes and the Golden Tigresses coaching staff.
“Masarap lang din yung feeling na alam mo na very humble si coach Ramil sa the way siya i-treat ‘yung mga junior coaches niya, tapos ‘yung kanina nung nag-shake hands kami mararamdaman mo yung sincerity nung pagbati niya sakin na nagbibigay ng good luck sa Finals,” said Reyes.
“Malaking bagay para samin na parang bini-bless kami, binigyan kami ng blessing, parang 'kunin mo na yung kampeonato',” he added.
But of course, the veteran tactician knows that more work will be needed for the Golden Tigresses to bring home the UAAP crown back to España Boulevard.
The Season 86 Final Four will also not be the last time that the two coaches will face off in a high-stakes match in the UAAP.
That’s why Reyes is grateful for every opportunity he gets to face the legendary La Salle coach.
“‘Yun ‘yung feeling na nagiging mas pleasured ako na nakakalaban ko si coach Ramil. Sana magtagal pa yung nandito siya sa UAAP so very grateful ako doon sa mga ganung gesture,” said Reyes.