The Lady Spikers now hold an 11-1 win-loss record which entails twice-to-beat bonus.
Angel Canino pretty much did everything in the fifth set as the De La Salle University Lady Spikers outlasted Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9 in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday.
Canino was all over the court in the final frame, making her presence felt on both ends on her way to a career-best 28 points including 5 blocks for the Lady Spikers at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The resurgence came after the Lady Spikers had a sluggish second and third frames, which allowed the Lady Falcons to seize a 2-1 lead.
Canino had a lot of help in forcing the decider, though. Thea Gagate finished with 22 points while Jolina Dela Cruz added 21, none bigger than the game-winning, through-the-block shot.
“Biggest struggle namin this game is nawala kami sa system,” said Canino. “Pero bumalik naman kami sa game plan namin, sa system namin, kaya nanalo po kami.”
Canino added their coaches simply reminded them to stick to the system.
“Siyempre 'yung mga coaches ni-remind lang kami sa system namin. Nagbigay ng instructions na makakatulong inside,” she said.
“'Yung mga ates, sinasabi nila ilaban lang namin. Kasi kaya naman namin. Alam naman namin na may ilalabas kami.”
With an 11-1 win-loss record, La Salle is now assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. Canino is grateful she got to contribute in achieving this early success.
“It feels amazing kasi unang una, naka-contribute po ako sa team. Sobrang laking bagay na nakakatulong ako sa team hindi lang sa harap, pati sa likod. Nakakasaya sa puso na binigyan akong blessing na ganito,” said the rookie.