La Salle extends dynasty to 16 straight seasons with Final Four berth

The De La Salle University Lady Spikers are proving once again why they remain a powerhouse in Philippine collegiate volleyball. 

After sweeping the UP Lady Maroons in three sets last Sunday, La Salle not only extended their winning streak to a flawless 10-0 but also punched their ticket to the Final Four of UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball.

This milestone adds another chapter to the Lady Spikers’ remarkable legacy under head coach Ramil de Jesus, who has guided the team to a 16-season postseason streak. 

De Jesus first ignited the Final Four streak back in Season 71 in 2009, demonstrating a system capable of consistently molding championship-level talent for nearly two decades.

Sustaining such dominance, however, requires more than just winning games. Each season brings the challenge of roster turnover, with graduating players leaving gaps that must be filled by rising talent. 

“Every batch naman kasi, may mga mawawala. ‘Yun ‘yung dilemma ng mga coach eh sa college. Every four years, may nawawalang players, so may papasok tapos ite-train mo ulit,” de Jesus said.

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Hear from La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus, Angel Canino and Eshana Nunag on securing the Lady Spikers’ 16th straight trip to the Final Four. #UAAPSeason88 @spinph pic.twitter.com/CqFC3Hy75T

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La Salle has managed to keep their dynasty intact through careful recruitment and player development. This season, the rookies are already making their mark, with Eshana Nunag seamlessly fitting into de Jesus’ system. 

“Para sa’kin kasi, every year, nag-e-evolve ‘yung volleyball. Kailangan mong humabol sa kung anuman ‘yung meron kasi hindi pwedeng du’n ka lang at maiwan ka du’n,” the veteran coach added. 

“Kung hindi ka hahabol sa ganung klaseng level, maiiwan ka. ‘Yun ang para sa’kin na kailangan lang talaga na kung ito lang ‘yung materials mo, ilabas mo ‘yung talent ng mga bata.”

For de Jesus, maintaining a dynasty isn’t about standing still—it’s about evolving with the game and maximizing the talent at hand. With another batch of players, patience remains key as the Lady Spikers look to replicate their past successes, including the next three-peat from Seasons 78 to 80.

Currently sitting atop the standings with a perfect 10-0 record, La Salle is eyeing a repeat of their undefeated campaigns from Seasons 67 and 68. Yet, the focus remains firmly on preparation and respect for their opponents. 

“Pero kami, kung ano man yung dumating, basta sabi ko sa mga bata, maghanda lang tayo. Bigyan ng respeto yung bawat kalaban. Although nadaan natin nung first round ito, ‘yun—lahat sila mag-a-adjust, so dapat ready lang tayo,” de Jesus said.

The Lady Spikers now turn their attention to facing the third-place FEU Lady Tamaraws on April 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, hoping to extend their streak.

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