La Salle Lady Spikers. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Angel Canino shook off a sluggish start and led La Salle to its best start in nine years after beating Adamson, 22-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Lady Spikers’ prized rookie, who was under the weather a week before the game, was limited to only two points in their first-set loss to the surging Lady Falcons.
But Canino regained her form on her way to 21 points, including 20 of La Salle’s 54 attacks, while middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate imposed their will at the frontline, combining for 11 of the team’s season-best 14 blocks.
“We had a shaky start because Angel was still adjusting. She missed our past training because she was under the weather. She just came back to training yesterday,” said La Salle coach Noel Orcullo in Filipino. “I just reminded them after the first set to come back. Good thing, I was able to wake them up.”
Canino made sure to bring back her game in the succeeding sets to keep La Salle unbeaten in six games — its best start since UAAP Season 77 in 2014 — before facing their Finals tormentor last year, National University, on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“My mindset was to forget everything that happened in the first set. Bounce back, relax, and show the things that I usually do inside the court,” said Canino in Filipino as she also had 17 excellent receptions. “Because If I dwell on my poor performance in the first set it will just affect my game and my contribution to the team.”
Besides Canino, Gagate nailed 11 attacks and five blocks to finish with 16 points. Sharma unleashed a career-high six blocks to contribute 12 points, while Jolina Dela Cruz delivered an all-around game with 10 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs.
Setter Mars Alba also shone with 15 excellent sets and fired four aces for seven points, while substitute Baby Jyne Soreno added nine markers.
“Actually, I’m very proud of my team and of course happy with the result because we really prepared for this for the whole week. We just stick to the system and I’m happy and proud of everyone, who all did well for the team today,” Canino said.
Adamson was sent crashing back to earth as La Salle ended its three-game winning streak, sliding to a 4-2 record after scoring only one block against their opponent’s season-high 14.
Trisha Tubu had 13 points to lead the Falcons. Kate Santiago chipped in 12 points, 15 digs, and 10 receptions, while Lucille Almonte added nine markers and 10 receptions.