De La Salle University’s sustained dominance over Ateneo de Manila University in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament has long been a source of pride for the Lady Spikers.

However, La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus sees a key difference in how their rivalry has evolved through the years.

Gone are the days when Ateneo would rely on a single dominant player to carry the team, a shift that has changed the dynamics of their clashes.

De Jesus admits that those rare Ateneo victories were largely influenced by Alyssa Valdez’s brilliance on the court.

“Right now, I don’t see that kind of player in Ateneo. They don’t have a go-to player like before. Back when Alyssa (Valdez) was with Ateneo, you could rely on her to take over the game,” he said following La Salle’s 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 triumph over Ateneo on Wednesday, marking their third consecutive win in UAAP Season 87.

As years pass, the Lady Spikers have maintained their dominance with a commanding 55-13 head-to-head record against the Blue Eagles.

“Now, Ateneo’s offense is more balanced, and they distribute the ball evenly. Before, it was just about stopping Alyssa,” De Jesus stressed.

Despite the competitive nature of their matches, La Salle players see these encounters as more than just a game, it is about carrying the pride and tradition of the Lady Spikers.

“Every time we step on the court, we bring the pride of being Lady Spikers. The legacy of Coach Ramil and the history of this team, of course, we have to uphold that in every match,” said team captain Angel Canino, who scored 17 points against Ateneo.

“The difference when facing Ateneo is the rivalry itself. There’s an added sense of passion and determination to show that we can continue what Coach Ramil’s teams have built over the years.”

Shevana Laput echoed Canino’s thoughts, emphasizing the deeper significance of playing against their long-time rivals.

“When we play against Ateneo, it’s more than just competing against their team. It’s about representing our school and the entire Lasallian community.”

“There’s always extra pressure, but there’s also extra motivation to prove ourselves.”

Laput delivered a UAAP career-best performance, tallying 25 points off 19 spikes, three blocks, and three aces to propel the Lady Spikers to a 4-2 record.

This win further solidified La Salle’s supremacy over Ateneo, extending its winning streak to 15 consecutive matches against its longtime rivals since the Season 79 Finals in 2017. Jason Mago