By MARK REY MONTEJO
De La Salle University knew it needs consistency and improved chemistry as the Lady Archers seek redemption in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
Those, however, are still a work in progress after they suffered two quick defeats in three games for the team’s worst start in almost two decades.
For one, the Taft-based squad has its new setters in Julyana Tolentino and rookie Mikole Reyes after elite playmakers Mars Alba – the Season 85 Finals MVP and Best Setter – and Julia Coronel completed their collegiate duties. Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz have also jumped to the pro ranks.
“Siguro what’s different now is that hindi lang consistent ‘yong ngayon, kasi syempre bago lang din lahat, bago ‘yong setter, maraming kaming mga bata na kasama po,” said Canino after La Salle’s 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17 win over the University of the Philippines Sunday, March 2, at Mall of Asia Arena.
“So lahat talaga kailangang mag-adjust, ‘di lang ‘yong mga bata, ‘di lang kaming mga seniors, lahat po talaga,” she added.
La Salle improved its record to 2-2 – tied with UP and Adamson – as it secured the victory that also served as a relief after enduring a five-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday.
But the 21-year-old spiker from Bacolod City is glad that her squad is gradually getting to what long-time mentor Ramil de Jesus has envisioned for the team.
“Pero ang [bago] naman ngayon, paunti-unti naggi-gel napo kami, paunti-unti nandun na kami sa goal na gusto namin at ni coach Ramil,” Canino continued.
“Paunti-unti nandun na kami nagii-stick sa sistema ni coach Ramil long time ago,” the 5-foot-11 hitter added.
Canino fueled La Salle’s win over the Fighting Maroons with 24 points off 20 kills and four blocks while Shevana Laput backed her up with 21 points built on 15 attacks, three blocks, and three aces.
Those numbers proved that Canino and Laput are now embracing their roles as the leaders of the team.
“Kami naman as ate inside the court, lagi lang namin na nire-remind namin sa bawat isa kung anong kaya namin sa bawat game… kung anong pinunta namin, anong reason bakit kami lumalaban,” Canino stressed. “Hindi lang basta-basta game to, kundi kailangan may pinaguhugutan tayo kung bakit tayo lumalaban.”
“So, in saying that, there’s a standard that we need to bring because we know that the team trusts in us and we need to be able to be there for them so that they can rely on us,” Laput added.
Up next for La Salle are the slumping University of the East Lady Warriors (0-4) Saturday, March 8, at the same venue.
