Noel Orcullo steps up as DLSU interim head coach for UAAP Season 85

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Veteran tactician Noel Orcullo will have a tough task to handle after the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers named him as the team’s interim head coach effective this upcoming UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.

Orcullo himself bared the recent development after announcing that long-time chief mentor Ramil de Jesus will sit out temporarily due to an undisclosed reason.

The deputy coach told everyone about this last February 22, 2023, during the season kickoff press conference held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I think I’ll take over for now, but coach Ramil is still there to guide me. Hopefully, by second round he can be with us and come to the games,” said Orcullo.

Since stepping down as the head coach of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers currently participating in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), de Jesus is yet to see consistent attendance on the playing court.

When the Lady Spikers joined the Shakey’s Super League several months ago, de Jesus was already absent from the team which paved way for Orcullo’s position as interim.

“If coach Ramil is there, I’m really confident. But since he won’t be here like the Shakey’s Super League, I’m the one who will really take over, and I’ll just take it upon myself to handle the job,” added Orcullo.

The Lady Spikers will be entering Season 85 with high hopes of bringing back the elusive championship title to the DLSU community.

Now with a steadier and more stacked roster, coach Orcullo will be leaning toward his balanced lineup composed of a mix of young guns and veteran hitters.

Spearheading the Lady Spikers are Jolina dela Cruz, Leiah Malaluan, Fifi Sharma, Angel Canino, and Thea Gagate.