With their 3-0 rout of the Arellano Lady Chiefs on Tuesday, the Letran Lady Knights seemed to have come to the semis not just to play but to demolish. But decorated Letran head coach Oliver Almadro did not think it would be that easy. 

He humbly admitted post-game that it was a 50-50 game against Arellano, so he made sure to instill in his players’ hearts three key lessons, win or lose.

“We have been studying, we have been practicing. Pero sabi ko sa players ko, we might win, we might lose in this first game in the semis. But what is important? Strong character. Will to win. Proper mindset,” the multi-titled volleyball mentor, famously known as Coach O, told GMA Regional TV News after claiming a seat in the NCAA women’s volleyball finals. 

It was not a walk in the park for the Lady Knights despite the sweeping victory– 30-28, 25-12, 25-21– as they had to heighten their efforts in an extensive first set, and needed to pull off a mini-comeback in the third. 

But when the dust settled, one could argue it was all Letran from start to finish. And Coach O had nothing but inspiring words to describe the grind of the Lady Knights.

“Kanina nga sa huddle ko, sabi ko sa kanila ang sarap oh, naka-uniform kayo. Ako nung nag-championship yung Letran (men’s), di ako naka-uniform, taga-abot lang akong tubig,” he said.

“But you have the opportunity na makapaglaro. Siguro yun yung inspirasyon nila, na it's an opportunity to play, an opportunity to be at this stage,” he added, sharing that his roster has rookies and sophomores who have so much to learn and be grateful for as they enter the championship round. 

For one, Bicolano super rookie Vanessa Sarie– this season’s top scorer and most effective spiker– continued her stellar play in their semis bout with 15 attack points. 

Though it was third-year opposite hitter Judiel Nitura who top-scored for the Intramuros-based squad to win the best player honors. 

Nitura lived up to her billing as the number two-ranked scorer in all of NCAA women’s volleyball, dropping 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks. 

All this was reflected in Coach Oliver’s response when asked what Letran’s mindset was entering the semis match.

“Siguro yun lang yun lang ginawa ng mga players, sumunod lang doon sa sistema. And it's the culture that we want to instill in them. We want to bring back the old culture of Letran na nananalo. Yung nasa finals,” he said with conviction.

He went on to thank his former mentors in the volleyball coaching industry. 

“Thank you kay Coach Ramil (De Jesus) na nagturo sa akin, na coach ko sa Letran. Si Coach Nes (Pamilar), rest in peace. Coach Ronald Dulay, rest in peace. Sila yung mga nag-instill ng mga championship years in Letran. So, gusto ko lang maging instrumento para maibalik yun,” he added.

They will face the four-peat-seeking Benilde Lady Blazers in the finals– a chance at redemption against their Season 99 tormentors, and, more importantly, an opportunity to end their 26-year women’s volleyball title drought.