MANILA, Philippines – Over the past two decades, the women's volleyball program of De La Salle University has dominated the UAAP landscape.

Since Ramil de Jesus took over, the Lady Spikers have won 10 UAAP championships, including runs of three straight titles from Seasons 66 to 68, and Seasons 73 to 75. This year, they will be appearing in the women's volleyball finals for the 10th season in a row.

Crucial to La Salle's march to the UAAP Season 80 championship round was their "Big Three" – graduating players Majoy Baron, Kianna Dy, and Dawn Macandili. The heart and soul of the team, the three Lady Spikers have taken charge for La Salle this year, providing not just statistical production but the leadership and stability needed by the team.

"Siyempre, last playing year na namin," said Macandili, the ace libero who has been nothing short of heroic for La Salle this year. "Gusto namin na maging maganda ang exit namin."

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More than anything, the three seniors want to continue the winning tradition that their beloved coach has started in La Salle.

"We want to show coach na, sa five years namin dito, these are the players that you produced," said Dy. "We want to honor him."

"Gusto naming i-alay 'to kay coach," Macandili agreed. "Wala naman kami dito kung 'di dahil sa kanya."

"Ayaw kong masira 'yung record ni coach," said Baron, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player and La Salle's team captain for Season 80.

Baron added that they also wanted to honor the Lady Spikers that had come before them, those who laid the foundation of their winning culture.

"Sobrang nabilib ako sa sistema at sa mga seniors ko before," said Baron, who was mentored by the likes of Abigail Maraño and Mika Reyes before coming into her own as one of the best middle blockers in the league.

"Ayaw ko na puputulin ko 'yung history na ginagawa nila sa time ko ngayon," she added. "Personally, 'yun ang motivation ko."

But making the finals is just the latest step for the Lady Spikers. Their ultimate goal, of course, is to win the title – and complete another Grand Slam for de Jesus.

"This is our chance to bring back the three-peat," said Dy. "Siyempre, lahat ng sacrifices namin, lahat ng pinaghirapan namin, ito na 'yung final test."

"Coming into the finals, doble 'yung pag-aaral, doble 'yung tiyaga sa training, at doble 'yung mental toughness at tibay ng puso," added Macandili.

"Last games na ito ng UAAP," the libero stressed. "Kailangan, may panapos."

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