De La Salle University’s prized rookie Angel Canino is determined to keep the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball title in Taft for a long time after having experienced the sweet taste of winning the championship.
The Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year winner is already looking ahead at a possible repeat or more right after the Lady Spikers reigned supreme in Season 85 at the expense of the dethroned National University last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We are determined to keep the crown. This is our pride. We’ve already started it so we will hold on to this (title),” Canino said after La Salle ended a five-year title drought.
“We’ll show our determination and dedication to once again reach this dream of becoming champions (in the years to come).”
The 19-year-old winger consistently churned out impressive numbers the whole season.
In her last game as a rookie, Canino dazzled when she put up 19 points off 12 attacks, six aces and a kill block in La Salle’s come-from-behind, 19-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-10, Game 2 win to clinch its 12th title overall.
“I worked hard for this. It’s my dream to play in the UAAP and become a champion,” said Canino who was also named 2nd Best Outside Spiker.
“Before I wondered about that feeling. What does it feel like to be a champion? That feeling of knowing you got it because you gave your all? Now I got to experience that overwhelming feeling,” she added.
“I’m so happy that all my dreams have become a reality.”
Canino, who also led La Salle-Zobel in ruling UAAP girls’ volleyball back in 2018, downplayed her collection of individual awards, especially the honor of becoming the second women’s player to win RoY-MVP after Bella Belen of the Lady Bulldogs did the feat last year.
“I didn’t expect it. I’m not thinking about the (individual) awards because my goal is to contribute to the team,” she said.
For her, the season’s biggest prize is the glittering trophy La Salle now holds.
“Just like what Coach Ramil (de Jesus) would tell us, the individual award we’ll get is just a bonus. The real battle is winning the championship,” Canino added.
“But I’m happy (I got the awards) but it’s not just for me but for the whole team.”
Despite bidding farewell to graduating veterans Jolina dela Cruz and Best Setter and Finals MVP Mars Alba, the Lady Spikers have a great future ahead with Canino leading the team along with other rising stars and seasoned holdovers.
