MANILA, Philippines — Angel Canino suffered an injury on her right arm from a non-volleyball-related accident, sitting out in the resumption of La Salle’s second-round campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Amid the rumors about her well-being the past few days, Canino still arrived with her team for the game at Mall of Asia Arena but was wearing a sling in her right arm hidden under a La Salle jacket. Her whole arm is heavily wrapped.
The Lady Spikers still pulled through even without Canino, staving off the gritty University of the Philippines, 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 27-25, to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four berth.
La Salle assistant Noel Orcullo said their sophomore spiker suffered a cut from an accident, which he didn’t disclose.
Canino’s timeline for recovery is day-to-day.
“She got into an accident, there are cuts in her arms. Her status is being monitored day to day, but we don’t know when she will be able to play,’’ said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
READ: UAAP: Angel Canino looks to shoulder bigger role for La Salle
Angel Canino will be sitting out in La Salle’s match against UP.
She is wearing a sling in her right arm. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/YAa1gzz8Nx
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 4, 2024
This is the first time Canino, the league’s rookie MVP, will miss a UAAP game after 24 games. But she still wore her team gear and supported her teammates inside the court as Shevana Laput led the way for La Salle, while Maicah Larroza and Jyne Soreño filled in her position.
READ: UAAP volleyball: Angel Canino has ‘matured’ in her second year
Missing Canino will be a big blow for the Lady Spikers as she led the team in scoring in their first eight games, averaging 16.3 points per match.
Canino spelled the difference in the Lady Spikers’ title run in Season 85, exacting a sweet revenge on the National University Lady Bulldogs to end a five-year title drought.
The pride of Bacolod had a stellar first season, becoming the second player to win the Season MVP and Rookie of the Year a season after NU star Bella Belen achieved the feat.