Angel Canino and the La Salle Lady Spikers. –UAAP PHOTO
Angel Canino and La Salle have shown their true identity after one round of Season 85 of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament eliminations.
Ironically, defending champion National University is the one trying to find back the identity that propelled the Lady Bulldogs to a sweep last season.
“I think we need to rediscover our former selves,” Bella Belen, whose Rookie-MVP season is also in danger of being duplicated by Canino, said in Filipino as she and the Lady Bulldogs go on a quick turnaround to try and get back at the squad that dealt them a beating they’ve never experienced before.
“We need to focus on what our ultimate goal is, maybe that will give us back our hunger,” Belen added as they take a second shot at the Lady Spikers in three days and reinstall themselves as favorites to retain the crown they won for the first time in 65 years last season.
For right now, La Salle looks so good in playing that role, something which was confirmed by a 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 manhandling of the Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday night.
The first serve will be at 5 p.m. at PhilSports Arena in Pasig even as Santo Tomas and Adamson, tied with La Salle for second at 5-2 heading into the final half of the eliminations, part ways in the 11 a.m. contest.
Seeking repeat
Rookie Trisha Tubu leads the Adamson Lady Falcons. –UAAP PHOTO
Adamson was one of two teams to deal the Golden Tigresses a loss in the first round, a 25-15, 25-17, 25-19 win last March 8.
“We just showed in that game what we are all about, what we can do,” Canino said in Filipino as she acknowledged the newfound confidence of the Lady Spikers. “We push ourselves as individuals and as a team—and that’s what the Lady Spikers are all about.”
Coach Ramil de Jesus, who let Noel Orcullo handle La Salle in the first round, is rumored to be making a return and giving the Lady Spikers added teeth.
“Let’s wait and see,” Orcullo answered when asked about that, although the interim tactician admitted to be getting all the support from De Jesus before La Salle games.
Ateneo and University of the East open second round skirmishes at 11 a.m., while Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines collide at 3 p.m. will all four teams needing strong second round performances to have a chance at advancing to the final four.