By NIKOLE JAVIER
Angel Canino made quite an impression in her debut as Alas Pilipinas team member in the AVC Challenge Cup on Thursday, May 23, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Putting behind her heartaches after her failed bid to help La Salle defend its UAAP crown, Canino was all business in her maiden stint for the PH team, a feat that further endeared her to her growing number of fans.
The UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player winner, Canino logged 17 points highlighted by 15 attacks in four sets.
She played so well that she matched Eya Laurel output in Alas’ 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 win over Australia in Group A action.
Canino had to be listed last minute as an opposite spiker as the lineup was already packed with other outside hitters in Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler and Faith Nisperos.
But she did not disappoint.
“I’m very happy lang kasi syempre I wasn’t expecting [much] from myself. Hindi ko naman magagawa lahat ng to kung wala ‘yung mga teammates, credit to them and to my coaches. Kasi they guide me inside and outside the court, so sobrang thankful ako dahil nandiyan sila para sa akin,” Canino said.
After collapsing in the first set, Alas Pilipinas turned back the visiting Australians to the delight of the 4,945 Filipinos at the venue, a testament to the growing popularity of Philippine volleyball.
Canino just recently suffered a right arm injury and had to miss the majority of the UAAP second round eliminations.
“Sinasabi ko na gigil kasi I really want na bumawi doon sa UAAP in my last game. Pero talagang sinasabi ko lang sa sarili ko na all out lang kasi walang mangyayari kung hindi ka mag all out. Anong gagawin mo sa court kung hindi all out? Labas mo na lahat ng kaya mo,” she said.
Canino credited her memorable PH team debut toveteran setter Jia Morado and the coaching staff for the trust and confidence to her.
Despite the short turnaround, the young leader was happy that things are turning out the way they had hoped for.
