MANILA, Philippines — Following a dominant 16-0 undefeated championship run, multi-titled head coach Ramil de Jesus has identified the “X-factor” behind the De La Salle Lady Spikers’ historic sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
In an interview following their title-clinching victory on Sunday, May 10, 2026, de Jesus heaped praise on rookie playmaker Kiana “K-Dot” Alinsug, noting that her poise and distribution were the primary catalysts for the team’s flawless season.
While the Lady Spikers are known for their formidable middle blockers and heavy-hitting wingers, de Jesus emphasized that the team’s offensive efficiency reached new heights due to Alinsug’s transition into the starting setter role.
- Pressure-Free Performance: “For a rookie to command the floor like that, especially in the Finals against a team like UST, is very rare,” de Jesus remarked. “She doesn’t play like a freshman. She plays like she’s been in the system for five years.”
- Statistical Brilliance: Alinsug finished the season leading the league in excellent sets per frame, averaging 6.42, while also ranking in the top 10 for service aces.
- Balanced Attack: Under Alinsug’s direction, the Lady Spikers saw four different players reach double-digit scoring in nearly every match of the Final Four and Championship series.
The Season 88 sweep marks La Salle’s return to the pinnacle of UAAP volleyball, following a period of intense rivalry with the UST Golden Tigresses and NU Lady Bulldogs.
- Mental Fortitude: Coach Ramil noted that the “sweep” was never the original goal. “We just wanted to win one game at a time. But when Kiana stabilized our rotation, the confidence of the seniors grew. They knew that no matter where the pass was, she would find a way to give them a killable ball.”
- Defensive Synergy: The coach also credited the team’s improved floor defense, which allowed Alinsug to operate with more options. “Our libero work gave her the ‘luxury’ to choose her targets,” he added.
La Salle’s perfect season was further validated by a haul of individual awards for the Taft-based squad:
| Award | Recipient | Position |
| Finals MVP | Angel Canino | Outside Hitter |
| Best Setter | Kiana Alinsug | Setter |
| 1st Best Middle Blocker | Thea Gagate | Middle Blocker |
| Rookie of the Year | Kiana Alinsug | Setter |
With this latest championship, Ramil de Jesus cements his status as the most successful coach in modern UAAP history. However, he remains focused on the future. “Every year is a different story. This year was Kiana’s story. Next year, the league will adjust, so we have to be ready to evolve again.”
The Lady Spikers are expected to hold a victory parade at the De La Salle University campus in Taft Avenue later this week to celebrate their 13th UAAP title.