A San Beda Team Toughened By Adversity No Longer Fazed By Magsanoc Exit

After going through a lot of adversity in another successful title run this year, San Beda remains confident it can overcome the shock departure of coach Ronnie Magsanoc next season.

The Red Lions endured the two-year suspension and eventual departure of coach Frankie Lim, as well as bans on top players that left the team with six eligible players to play its season-opener following an offseason brawl with San Sebastian's volleyball team, on the way to a third successive NCAA championship last season.

Now the team feels Magsanoc's shock resignation is just another bump in the road which it must hurdle when the school guns for another title in the league's 89th season.

"Well we have been through this before with the departure of coach Frankie last year," said incoming team captain Rome dela Rosa. "But we are fine, this is just another obstacle we must overcome as a team."

The Red Lions outshone a more talented San Sebastian team and held off a determined Letran in three games in the title showdown in what turned out to be Magsanoc's first and only season as their coach.

Whoever replaces Magsanoc, dela Rosa feels the almost intact Red Lions have what it takes to retain the title next year.

"I don't think it (losing another coach) will be a hindrance (in our four-peat campaign)," he said. "I think we are still capable of winning it again. It’s all about working hard and we will just use this as extra motivation for the coming season."

Although stunned by Magsanoc's decision to quit, dela Rosa said he only has respect for his former coach.

"I was surprised by his decision but nothing against him," he said. "I respect coach Ronnie's decision in every way. He had to do what he had to do."

source: Spin