De La Salle University star Angel Canino shrugged off the dizziness she felt after colliding with her teammate Shevana Laput in the fourth set before coach Ramil de Jesus delivered a powerful message during their final timeout in the fifth frame.

“Huminga tayo ng malalim… hindi pwede nananaig ‘yong takot, eto na ‘yan ‘yong presence of mind, mabilis nalang ito,” said de Jesus as University of Santo Tomas captured a 13-12 lead. “Kailangan lang natin ng tiwala sa sarili.”

Those words surely gave the Lady Spikers the boost they needed as they carved out a dramatic 15-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20, 16-14 victory over the Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday evening, March 29.

Laput and Canino unloaded the biggest hits for La Salle to avoid a season sweep against UST and improve their record to 6-3.

The Tigresses, on the other hand, continued to struggle after suffering their third consecutive loss and now hold a 5-4 slate at fifth spot.

Canino, who was immediately escorted to the dugout, unleashed another superb performance for DLSU as she posted 27 points off 24 attacks, two blocks, and one ace along with 13 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.

Laput, who also delivered in the crunch moments, finished with 16 points on 15 kills and one block while Amie Provido backed them up with 12 points – including the game-winning block. Alleiah Malaluan added 10.

Mikole Reyes made her presence felt as La Salle's newest playmaker after tallying 26 excellent sets with six excellent digs on top of four points.

Regina Jurado pumped in 22 points while Angge Poyos had a quiet 12-point output for the struggling Tigresses. Mabeth Hilongo contributed nine which all went down the drain.