From mentor to competitor.
The influence of De La Salle University Lady Spikers coach Ramil de Jesus transcends the walls of Taft. The impact of his return to the UAAP and his entrance to the PVL has been felt the past weeks, and its continuing to echo through the two leagues.
Another example of that is coach RDJ's battle with Far Eastern University Tamaraws' rookie coach Tina Salak, who at some point of the decorated setter's career has played under de Jesus. The last time Salak and de Jesus worked together was in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games where the Philippine Women's Volleyball Team secured bronze, the last podium finish for the country in the tournament.
That's why facing the multi-titled de Jesus means a lot to Salak.
"Going against him, medyo inspired ako kasi gusto ko rin makalaban 'yung mentor ko, then ma-prove ko, something, na pwede akong makasabay sa kanya, and maging proud siya the way I handled my team." Salak said after her Tamaraws proved to be a tricky challenger in a three-set loss to the unbeaten La Salle
Despite losing to the Lady Spikers, the Tamaraws proved that they are not pushovers after forcing the deuce in the first and final sets. That's enough confidence booster for Salak as they try to have a second round push for the Final Four.
"Maganda 'yung pinerform namin dito, hindi kami pwedeng mag-setback dito. Ito 'yung baseline, angat. Sana magtuluy-tuloy kami. And hopefully, konti na lang, Final Four."
FEU is currently at the fifth spot with a 4-5 win-loss card and the next set of games will determine their fate in the UAAP Season 85 Women's Volleyball Tournament.
"Lahat 'yon [other UAAP teams] naghahabol sa wins, kami rin. Syempre, nandito na kami e. Ayoko rin naman mag-antay ng another season para mag-Final Four. Pwede namang mangyari ngayon. Ganun ako ka-positive. Hindi ako mayabang, ah? Pero ganun ko kasi inaano 'yung team na kaya namin. Kaya."