Angel Canino impressively delivered in her new role as Alas Pilipinas rolled to its first victory against Australia in the AVC Challenge Cup on Thursday night, May 23, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. 

The UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player, who was just reeling from a semifinal loss in her second year with De La Salle, was key for the Jorge de Brito-coached Philippines in her national team debut. 

Canino had to be listed last minute as an opposite spiker as the lineup was already packed with other outside hitters in Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler and Faith Nisperos. 

Even Akari’s Nisperos had to be converted into the same position as there were not many available players to fill in the rotation. 

“I’m very happy lang kasi syempre I wasn't expecting [much] from myself. Hindi ko naman magagawa lahat ng to kung wala ‘yung mga teammates, credit to them and to my coaches. Kasi they guide me inside and outside the court, so sobrang thankful ako dahil nandiyan sila para sa akin,” Canino said. 

The 20-year-old collegiate standout posted 17 markers highlighted by 15 attacks in four sets alongside Laure, who also turned in a similar 17-point performance.

After collapsing in the first set, Alas Pilipinas turned back the visiting Australians to the delight of the 4,945 Filipinos at the venue, a timely testament to the growing popularity of Philippine volleyball. 

Canino just recently suffered a right arm injury and had to miss the majority of the UAAP second round eliminations. 

Though Canino managed to come back at the tail-end of the season, she was limited in going full force for the Lady Spikers, something that she also used as an inspiration in her maiden national team appearance. 

“Sinasabi ko na gigil kasi I really want na bumawi doon sa UAAP in my last game. Pero talagang sinasabi ko lang sa sarili ko na all out lang kasi walang mangyayari  kung hindi ka mag all out. Anong gagawin mo sa court kung hindi all out? Labas mo na lahat ng kaya mo,” she said. 

Though Canino refused the sole credit for the win as she had veteran setter Jia Morado and the coaching staff to thank for helping her unleash her skills beyond collegiate competition. 

Despite the short turnaround, the young leader was happy that things are turning out the way they had hoped for. 

Since the roster was only announced a week before the tournament, the mix of collegiate and professional players were just coming off of their respective seasons. 

“I think hindi naman ako ‘yung big reason. The big reason is ‘yung team work kasi given our short time to prepare pero nagawa namin to which was led by the coaches and ate Jia talaga,” said Canino. 

“Nakakatuwa lang din kasi fina-follow namin si ate Jia and the coaches, that’s why we had teamwork at sobrang bilis lang mag-gel ng team.” 

The Philippines now barged into the second place of the Group A standings, with India at the top following its back-to-back victories. 

However, the Filipinos are immediately due for a tough climb as they are set to face their undefeated Southeast Asian rivals Indians on Friday night, May 24. 

With only the top two sides making it to the semifinal early next week, Alas Pilipinas is looking to give its newly-established squad a good impression all through the competition for the expectant Filipino volleyball fans.