MANILA, Philippines — Despite failing to defend their title, DLSU Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus did not fall short on praises for his graduating skipper Desiree Cheng.
Cheng, who played her final game for the Green and White on Sunday, was a significant part of DLSU's championship campaign in her five-year career with La Salle.
"Para sa akin kasi... ginawa naman niya yung sa side niya, kung ano yung dapat sa team sa abot ng kaya niya," de Jesus said after their season-ending loss against UST.
The three-time champion led a gallant stand for DLSU as they clawed their way back from a 0-2 set deficit against the Golden Tigresses.
But DLSU's comeback fell short as the Espana squad was able to pull away in the clutch.
Cheng finished her swan song for the Lady Spikers with 10 points to her name.
Regardless of the result, de Jesus was grateful for his team captain.
"Very thankful ako sa kanya kasi tinapos niya yung playing year niya," He said.
"Siguro kung hindi naglaro yan, di kami umabot ng top four. So very thankful ako sakanya, sakanila ni Des Clemente," de Jesus added.
Apart from Cheng, transferee Clemente also capped off her UAAP career after a one-year stint with the Lady Spikers.
Clemente scored seven markers in her final game for La Salle.