Angel Canino and Eya Laure have formed a fearsome combo that spearheaded Alas Pilipinas to a 2-0 start in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
Two games into the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, it's already clear that Alas Pilipinas have found a true one-two scoring punch in the unlikely duo of Angel Canino and Eya Laure.
The two rising stars have forged a potent combo, leading the Philippines to a 2-0 start in Pool A after once again showing the way in a rousing victory over India Friday, May 24.
Canino, despite being a first timer in the senior national team, continued to shine as an opposite hitter as she emerged as the leading scorer of Alas with 22 points on 19 attacks, two aces, and a block.
Her performance, which followed up a 17-point outing in the victory over Australia, belies her newcomer status, showing a maturity and composure that make her an undeniable asset to the country.
[ALSO READ: AVC: Jia de Guzman, Alas Pilipinas take down India for 2-0 start, seize Pool A lead]
Laure, on the other hand, brings her own brand of ferocity and finesse to the table.
Known for her aggressive attacks and relentless energy, Laure complements Canino perfectly. Her experience and tactical acumen make her a formidable presence on the court, evident in her consecutive 17-point outputs in the team’s first two matches.
Despite their stellar showings, both Laure and Canino were quick to deflect credit to their teammates.
“‘Di talaga namin magagawa ‘to kung ‘di dahil sa kanila. ‘Yung team effort na ginagawa namin sa bawat laro kasi, hindi kakayanin ng isa o dalawa lang talaga. Team effort lang lagi kasi malaki talaga ang mararating kapag magtutulungan ‘yung team at patuloy na maniniwala,” Laure said.
Canino then chimed in: “‘Di naman po namin magagawa lahat ng puntos na ‘yon kung ‘di dahil sa team effort at kung ‘di pinaghihirapan ng bawat isa. Kailangan talaga namin ‘yung isa’t isa sa loob ng court and ‘yung puntos naman na ‘yon, hindi naman ‘yon para sa’min. Para sa team ‘yon, para sa Pilipinas.”
True enough, it was a collective team effort for the Filipinas, who had to rip a page out of their comeback against Australia to overcome an opening-set hiccup versus India and secure the victory.
“Jelling and ‘yung teamwork. Teamwork talaga, communication and siyempre, ‘yung mga binibigay ng coaches na instructions talaga,” Laure said.
[ALSO READ: AVC: Jia De Guzman takes pride in young stars of Alas Pilipinas after win over India]
Through their concerted efforts, Alas Pilipinas are edging closer to securing a coveted semifinal berth, with only Iran and Chinese Taipei standing in their way..
With a slot to the next round in sight, Canino and Laure are determined to seize the opportunity and spare no effort in their upcoming matches.
“Siyempre nandito na kami. Hindi namin bibitawan ‘to nang basta-basta. ‘Yung opportunity, hindi naman ‘to basta-bastang dumadating lang. Ngayong nandito na sa harap namin, ima-maximize namin at gagawin pa namin as a team ‘yung pinaka-maganda na pwede naming magawa para sa bayan,” Laure said.
Canino then added: “Sobrang different na ‘to at sobrang bihirang opportunity na ‘to na nabigay sa’min. I-ggrab na namin ‘to and siyempre kung ano ‘yung nakikita naming mali, we’ll try to minimize it next time.”
The Philippines will take on Iran on Saturday, May 25, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 7:00 p.m.