University of Perpetual Help System DALTA once again ruled the NCAA Season 99 men's beach volleyball tournament and the graduating Louie Ramirez could not help but feel proud about the feat.
"Para sa akin nakaka-proud na nanalo ulit kami. 'Yung sa'kin kasi, last playing year ko na kaya all-out ako kahit anong mangyari," Ramirez said on January 28 after their win against Mapua University in the finals.
"Sobrang laking bagay po para sa akin."
(For me, I am proud since we won again. This is my last playing year that is why I am going all-out whatever happens. This is big for me.)
The road to the title was not that smooth for the Las Piñas-based squad.
Perpetual fell to Jose Rizal University in their opening match before winning six straight matches. The ALTAs then fell to Arellano University before capping the elimination round with a victory against Colegio de San Juan de Letran to end with a 7-2 card.
In the Final Four, the duo of Ramirez and Jefferson Marapoc dispatched Arellano en route to the Finals where they faced a tough Mapua University squad before claiming the title.
Despite this, Ramirez knew they were going to win the crown anew.
"Hindi naman inaasahan [na manalo] pero malakas ang pakiramdam namin na kaya mag-champion," said Ramirez.
(We did not expect to win but I had a good feeling we will be champions.)
Ramirez, who was named as Most Valuable Player of the tournament, will see action once again in the NCAA in the upcoming indoor volleyball season.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
