When University of Perpetual Help System DALTA opened its 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge men's division campaign last Wednesday, it did so without their ace spiker, Louie Ramirez.
The Altas had sent their MVP of to the airport earlier that day before heading to the Paco Arena to face their NCAA rivals, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
Despite Perpetual's struggle to fend off the Generals, they managed to secure a victory without Ramirez, and no one could be happier than their legendary head coach, Sammy Acaylar.
"It was a significant loss for us not having Louie around. But it inspired the players, and perhaps someday, one of them will find themselves in a similar situation," said Acaylar, who also serves as the concurrent volleyball program head of the Las Piñas-based school.
"In today's game, an NCAA match, I always remind the players not to be complacent. They should be confident. Because we were already down one player. The more we were reduced in numbers, the more the remaining players had to unite and work as one team. And I saw that," Acaylar continued.
While the two sets were closely contested, the Altas visibly needed someone to deliver the finishing touch.
Fortunately, setter and captain JC Enarciso, along with Klint Mateo, provided that final surge.
Acaylar also had words of praise for Kobe Tabuga, who took on Ramirez's role on the left side.
"He performed well because he has good jumping ability. He's accustomed to playing in matches. He was somewhat in the shadows because Louie was there. However, there are players who can assist the team, and Kobe is one of them," Acaylar shared.
"I always say that no matter who we lose, we remain a solid unit because everyone supports each other. They treat each other like brothers, a cohesive family."
