MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coaches Ramil De Jesus and Noel Orcullo were proud to see their former colleague, Benson Bocboc step out of his shadows as the mentor of the young University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

For the first time since 2016, De Jesus and the Lady Spikers faced one of his deputies and had to overcome UP’s gallant stand before pulling off a 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

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“As usual, it’s the same because being a coach is part of our job. So, whatever coach Boc offers us in the game, we’ll just match it,” said Orcullo in Filipino.

READ: UAAP: La Salle scrapes past UP to get back on track

La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo, speaking for coach Ramil De Jesus, talks about their first duel against former coaching staff Benson Bocboc, who is now calling the shots for UP. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/eA2NZKdpan

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 2, 2025

“Since we’ve been together for a long time, we’re really proud of coach Boc because he’s truly growing. This is something coach Ramil has always wished for him—having his own team to head coach. So, we’re super proud.”

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After the game, the Lady Spikers rushed to coach Bocboc and paid their respects to their former assistant coach.

Bocboc, who also calls the shots for Farm Fresh in the PVL, said the 12-time UAAP champion coach De Jesus has always wanted his assistant coaches to get out of their comfort zones and thrive outside La Salle.

“Even though we’re always together, we’re always encouraged to coach outside as well,” said Benson in Filipino. “It’s nice because, even though I have assistant coaches, I want them to grow as well. I’m not going to stay in the same position for 20, 30 years or more.”

READ: UAAP: New UP coach Benson Bocboc keeps focus on the team

UP coach Benson Bocboc on facing coach Ramil De Jesus and his former team La Salle. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/jgtSdxgFLk

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 2, 2025

“We still see each other often. We’re neighbors. So it’s nothing, just volleyball on the side. Just volleyball, different teams, but still volleyball. Outside of that, we’re all still one family. No problem. Of course, I represent UP, and they represent DLSU in a volleyball match,” he added.

Losing two consecutive games may be a tough pill to swallow but Bocboc was still pleased to see his Fighting Maroons display a gallant stand against the Lady Spikers.

“I feel like in that game, we fell short.  Sometimes, there were situations where we got disorganized. Next time, we’ll be more prepared for that. We’ll correct it, especially in terms of our ball distribution,” Bocboc said. “It just happened that DLSU got a 3-1 win this time. I still believe that, with our way of play, we can match up.”