Angel Canino. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Angel Canino set the tone right from the get-go of her first Ateneo-La Salle rivalry game as she poured in eight of her career-high 23 points in the opening set.
The prized rookie unleashed an explosive first-set performance as all she wanted was to contribute and do the right things inside the court, leading to La Salle’s 25-16, 25-20, 25-13 beating of arch-rival Ateneo in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Actually, hindi ko din ineexpect tsaka hindi ko binibilang yung points ko basta makacontribute lang ako inside the court and pinaalalahanan ko lang yung sarili ko na gawin yung tama sa loob ng court para makatulong sa team,” said Canino shortly after sweeping their rivals.
(Actually, I did not expect to have this kind of game and I’m not really focused on my points. I just wanted to contribute inside the court and reminded myself to do the right thing to help the team.)
The former UAAP girls MVP, who finished with 21 kills, one spike, and one ace to go with nine digs and five excellent receptions, admitted she felt pressure in her first rivalry game before 10,754 fans but she shook it off and stayed focused.
“I’m happy because this rivalry [game] is a different thing but at the same time there is pressure. We didn’t let the pressure get the better of us and reminded ourselves to give our best and enjoy inside the court,” said Canino in Filipino. “Because if you let the pressure get the better of yourself, you won’t be able to play properly.”
“I’m happy to face Ateneo. I waited for this [moment],” she added.
Canino has been sensational in her first three games, being named player of the game in all matches. But she deflected the credit to her teammates for keeping the Lady Spikers the lone unbeaten team with a 3-0 record.
“I think we all deserved the [player of the game] because everyone is contributing inside the court. I’m proud of our team because we gave our best and push ourselves until the end. We proved that we can do it,” she said.