Louie Ramirez and the Alas Pilipinas men’s team in the SEA VLeague. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Louie Ramirez finally got his opportunity to play for Alas Pilipinas and he made sure to make the country–and his league NCAA–proud.
With the Philippine men’s volleyball team’s main option Bryan Bagunas struggling, Ramirez joined hands with fellow national team first-timer Buds Buddin to keep Alas Pilipinas afloat and scored three crucial points for a 23-21 lead before Kim Malabunga’s block brought them at match point.
Vietnam saved two match points but Bagunas checked back in and drilled the game-winning attack to kickoff the men’s national team’s SEA VLeague campaign with a 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23 win in front of a good home crowd in the first leg opener on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
READ: SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas men’s at SEA VLeague first leg
“I told myself that every time the ball will be given to me, I have to score,” said Ramirez in Filipino after scoring 11 points. “That’s why I was all out every set plays for me.”
Alas Pilipinas men’s Louie Ramirez in the SEA VLeague. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
After always not making the final cut, Ramirez is honored to finally represent the flag and he hopes to prove the talent from University of Perpetual Help Altas and the NCAA can make the country flag, too.
“I’m honored to play here because I am from NCAA and it feels good to also represent the league to the national team,” he said.
The 24-year-old NCAA MVP also relished his chance to be on the same side with UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, who has been thriving as the Alas libero, Bagunas, and other stars.
READ: Alas Pilipinas men beat Vietnam in SEA VLeague Manila opener
“I’m proud to play here with the top players of the country. The MVPs, Bryan, and other players. I’m proud of myself to be part of this team,” Ramirez said.
Remember his name, Louie Ramirez.
The NCAA MVP steps up for Alas Pilipinas. #SEAVLeague2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/z8vbdKlsYs
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 16, 2024
With Alas Pilipinas taking on defending champion Indonesia on Saturday, Ramirez is eager to continue learning from the team, especially under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“Coach Frigoni has a good system, We’re learning from him even though he’s so strict but it’s good for the team,” he said.