Reigning Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angelo Canino continued to showcase her fine form after steering De La Salle past the hapless University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

With the win, the Lady Spikers and finals rival National University Lady Bulldogs share similar records of 5-1 for the second spot in the standings. 

NU is also fresh from a dominant straight-set victory over University of the East Lady Warriors a week before the reigning finalists take on each other to wrap up the early eliminations. 

Canino led all scorers with an all-around display of 16 points off 13 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, while Shevana Laput and Thea Gagate finished with nine and eight markers, respectively. 

Joan Monares paced the Fighting Maroons with a measly nine-point outing to cover for the whole squad’s limited offensive production. 

The State U under the guidance of new head coach Oliver Almadro is still seeking for its breakthrough as it stretches its losing streak to 16 games dating from last season’s one-win campaign. 

The Fighting Maroons remained as the only winless team this season, having only won two sets so far in five outings.