Angel Canino makes her parents and country proud in Alas Pilipinas debut

Alas Pilipinas’ Angel Canino is named the AVC Challenge Cup’s Best Opposite Spiker.

MANILA, Philippines — Angel Canino is offering her stellar Alas Pilipinas debut to her parents and thousands of fans who cheered for the Philippine women’s volleyball national team every night in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024.

Canino topscored with 14 points to lead Alas Pilipinas to a historic bronze medal, capping their campaign with a 25-23, 25-15, 25-7 victory over Australia in the Challenge Cup on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

She also won the tournament’s Best Opposite Spiker award.

READ: Jia De Guzman, Angel Canino cop AVC Challenge Cup individual awards

“It’s really overwhelming and happy at the same time because this also also the achievement of my mom and dad. I’m happy seeing them on the sidelines cheering for me, clapping along.” Canino, whose father Rodel is a former national team player, told reporters.

Rodel Canino congratulates Angel after being named as the Best Opposite Spiker in the #AVCChallengeCup @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/8EKMolWmvU

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 29, 2024

“Of course, it’s not just for my parents. I’m thrilled that all Filipinos witnessed us being here and making history.”

Despite the short preparation with the team and playing a new position as an opposite spiker, Canino thrived and emerged as Alas’ leading scorer all tournament long.

READ: Rodel Canino proud to see daughter Angel thrive in Alas Pilipinas

“I didn’t anticipate that I would be taking on a different position, so it’s more challenging. But for me, I take it as a challenge because I believe I can handle it as long as I can. So whatever challenges come my way or whatever position is given to me, I’ll manage,” said Canino, who scored a total of 55 points in the group stage. “I’m also really happy with myself because I truly embraced that position.”

Being named the Best Opposite Spiker came as a surprise for Canino, who can say that she’s comfortable playing at the opposite but still ready for whatever position she’ll be playing.

Alas Pilipinas’ young star Angel Canino during an AVC Challenge Cup 2024 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I was surprised to be named the best opposite because throughout this AVC, I had tough competition in my position, so I wasn’t expect anything. I wasn’t really aiming for this award. It’s more about making history for the Philippines,” ” she said.

The UAAP Season 85 Rookie MVP lauded her teammates, led by Jia De Guzman, for overcoming the tough challenge and achieving great things for the country with its first medal in any international tournament since the team’s bronze in the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, which is now known as the SEA VLeague.

“I’m very proud of the team, the management, and the coaches because, given the preparation time, we still managed to win bronze. I’m very proud of us because what we went through wasn’t easy.” Canino said.

After shining in her first national team stint, Canino said she’s ready to continue representing the country.

“Playing for the country is different, and if given the chance to play for the country, why not,” Canino said.