De La Salle University head coach Ramil De Jesus on Thursday denied reports that the team made a last-minute withdrawal in the second conference of the sixth Shakey’s V-League, which prompted league officials to ban the Lady Archers from joining the country’s biggest collegiate volleyball tournament.

“We did not confirm our participation and we didn’t attend the coaches’ meeting so there was no last minute pull out or withdrawal,” said De Jesus, who led the lady Archers to three V-League titles.

De Jesus was reacting to the statements made by Tony Liao, the V-League league commissioner, who said Tuesday that they are closing the doors on La Salle after the team made a last minute withdrawal for the second straight conference.

La Salle also skipped the first conference of the sixth season early this year, citing a weakened line up and a number of injured players as reasons.

“We only had a verbal talk (with Liao) but there was really no formal confirmation,” De Jesus said.

Reached for comment, Liao said the fact that they had a verbal agreement, “it is safe to assume that they will rejoin the league after skipping the first conference.”

“But then they suddenly texted us nga na they will not participate anymore,” Liao said.

Liao also stressed that whether La Salle pulled out at the last minute or not is not anymore important.

“I don’t see that a problem anymore. The problem here is apparently they are not giving importance to the league,” Liao said. “The fact na dalawang conference ka nawala is already a statement. Although the league is only by invitation, I don’t think they will still be accepted again.”

De Jesus said they did not join the competition this conference because many of their players are rookies, hence, “we cannot compete competitively.”