Angel Canino. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-De La Salle University chalked up a second consecutive victory at the expense of University of the Philippines, 25-14, 25-20, 25-14, on Wednesday night at the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
Angel Canino again delivered for the Lady Spikers, smashing her way to 11 attacks out of 13 points in a brilliant offensive foray with Jolina Dela Cruz and Thea Gagate.
“I felt relieved. Last time, we didn’t start well because we were too tight. We talked about sticking to the system that we normally do in practice and followed the game plan,” said La Salle interim coach Noel Ocullo.
The Lady Spikers didn’t like the way they performed against the UST Tigresses during their season-opener and made amends after making short work of the Fighting Maroons.
After seizing the second set, there was no turning back for La Salle, which quickly forged ahead, 9-2, in the deciding frame behind Canino and Dela Cruz.
Ethan Arce’s service ace and a block by Nina Ytang cut it down to a five-point UP deficit, but that proved to be their last stand as the Lady Spikers again scored in bunches, including a few heroics from Amie Provido and Shevana Laput, to ice the win.
“We were more focused this time and were able to bring out the best in us. We know that we have to improve not only in skill, but as an individual as well,” said Canino as the Lady Spikers now tied the unbeaten NU Lady Bulldogs at the top.