UAAP: Closer to goal, Canino determined to deliver title for La Salle
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament – FINALS
La Salle Lady Spikers ‘ Angel Canino during a game against NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —Angel Canino is determined to end UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament with a championship that will further La Salle’s rich championship culture.
She is one game closer to her goal after delivering 17 points in the Lady Spikers’ 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 win over National University in Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
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“I really want to end this in a good way, something we can be proud of as La Salle,” said Canino after putting La Salle on the cusp of a 13th title.
The last time La Salle won a title was in Season 85 three years ago when Canino made a generational run as the women’s volleyball division’s second rookie MVP, dethroning the Bella Belen-led NU.
La Salle Lady Spikers ‘ Angel Canino during a game against NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The past two seasons, however, proved difficult for the Alas Pilipinas star. La Salle fell to the UST Golden Tigresses in the Final Four in Season 86, then was swept by NU in last year’s Finals.
“We really wanted to bounce back but we couldn’t. Back then, I was already the captain. So now, I’m trying to be more patient with myself and with my teammates,” said Canino.
“I think that’s what will carry us to a championship, not just skills, but how we carry ourselves and handle everything so we can finish the season the right way.”
Now one win away from completing a perfect season after 15 straight victories, Canino said La Salle must stay locked in for Game 2, especially against a Lady Bulldogs side hungry for a three-peat.
“We know NU will really fight. They’ll study us, just like we study them. But we can’t be complacent because it’s only Game 1,” she said.
“We know NU has heart and motivation this season too. They have a reason to fight. So we just need to match their fire. In Game 2, it will really come down to who wants it more,” said Canino.
