Ramil de Jesus unexpectedly showed up at the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference bronze medal match between F2 Logistics and PLDT on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
De Jesus, who was seen giving instructions to the players, joined the coaching staff led by Regine Diego as the Cargo Movers secured a four-set win, 20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17, moving closer to their best finish in the PVL.
After a difficult loss to eventual finalist Creamline in the semifinals, the presence of De Jesus was a tremendous inspiration for the team, according to F2 Logistics team captain Aby Marano and opposite spiker Kianna Dy. They dedicated the victory to their longtime head coach, who had been absent from the sidelines due to health reasons.
"I think it's a huge inspiration because we're dedicating the game to him. And coach Regine always reminds us for coach, for coach. So, we did it well," said Marano, who contributed 19 points on 14 attacks and five rejections.
Dy also expressed the same sentiment, "Coach Ramil was also giving us tips when we were outside, what to do. And he's just really a big inspiration for all of us, the players, and the coaches." Dy scored 20 points on 15 attacks, three blocks, and two aces in the game.
It is unclear if De Jesus will be present in the team's next game, but Marano urged her teammates to maintain their momentum going into Game Two if they want to secure their place on the podium. "We still can't relax. We need to be more aggressive because we really want it. So, we'll show it. I don't mind how many points I give to the team. What's important to me is the win," said Dy.
