De La Salle standouts have been nothing short of impressive in Alas Pilipinas’ 2024 AVC Challenge Cup campaign. 

With UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino in tow, the Philippines is now headed to a historic semifinal appearance in the AVC-sanctioned tournament on Tuesday, May 28. 

Following La Salle’s semifinal exit in Season 86, the 20-year-old Canino along with two-time best middle blocker Thea Gagate, former teammate Fifi Sharma and libero Dawn Macandili, have all been a reliable presence in the Jorge de Brito-coached rotation. 

In the first two games, de Brito fielded the current and former Lady Spikers along with playmaker captain Jia Morado, Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina. 

Although collegiate stars and pro players from different schools and clubs coming together are not necessarily uncommon, it says so much about La Salle’s consistent and top class volleyball program in the Philippines beyond the local scene.  

Alongside the four Taft products is rising setter Julia Coronel, who’s earned praises from Morado in the duration of their campaign and will be taking turns with the veteran in playmaking. 

“Siguro I can still feel ‘yung Lasallian pride when we all play, and syempre ‘yung characteristic and attitude nila na palaban [is there],” Macandili said. 

Canino, who shone as an opposite spiker in her national team debut, sat out Alas Pilipinas’ last elimination game against Chinese Taipei to conserve energy in their semis battle.

On their way to a perfect 4-0 record in the preliminary round, the young leader consistently top scored in all three games she saw action in.