By NIKOLE JAVIER
Rookie Angel Canino of De La Salle introduced herself to the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament with a promising debut after steering her team to a five-set win over University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, Feb. 26.
The 19-year-old from Bacolod delivered 18 points off 16 attacks, one block and an ace for the Lady Spikers who are eager for a redemption campaign this Season 85.
The 5-foot-11 spiker is focused on keeping her presence significant with the team after blocking external noises from getting to her.
“Actually, hindi po ako nagfo-focus sa external factor. Nag-focus talaga ako sa kung anong kaya namin as a team. And nagfo-focus lang ako inside, naka-contribute ako and naka-contribute rin ‘yong ibang teammates ko. Sobrang happy ko kasi makapaglaro sa MOA, makapaglaro sa UAAP college. And now andito na ako. I didn’t expect na ganito ‘yong kinalabasan ng team,” said Canino.
The former Zobel standout has shown flashes of her brilliance during the pre-season tournament after bringing La Salle to a runner-up finish.
For interim head coach Noel Orcullo, Canino still has a long way to go to become fully adjusted with her role on the team.
“Actually okay naman . Pero marami pang kulang. We have to adjust pagdating ng training. At least nagkaroon na ng confidence sa nakalaro ng una tapos ganito iyong game intense. At least confidence building to. Hindi lang sa kanya, even sa buong team. Nakaranas sila ng ganitong ka-intense na game. Sana tuluy-tuloy,” said Orcullo.