La Salle bucked down a slow start to reclaim the title.
They may be fierce competitors on the court, but that does not mean they cannot be friends outside it.
Such was the relationship between De La Salle University Lady Spikers star Angel Canino and National University Lady Bulldogs ace Bella Belen—MVPs of the last two UAAP seasons.
In a series that saw the two engage in a staredown contest in the opener, the two shared a hug on Sunday in the aftermath of La Salle’s 19-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-10 win in Game 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
When asked about the said encounter, the newly-minted rookie-MVP Canino had a simple answer.
“Nag-congrats lang din naman po siya. And I told her she did her best throughout the season. Sabi ko, ang galing nila and pinahirapan nila kami. Isa sila sa pinakamalakas na teams dito sa UAAP talaga, so hanga po ako sa kanila,” said Canino, who finished with 19 points.
Belen shared a similar sentiment.
“I think ‘yung mga gumagawa lang naman po [ng isyu ay] mga fans kasi part naman siya ng game, iniisip nila magkaaway pero sa labas ng game magkakaibigan naman talaga kami,” said Belen, who scored 11 points in a losing cause.
Belen, who achieved the same feat of becoming rookie-MVP and winning the title last season, had nothing but praise for her rival.
“Deserve niya po 'yung award. ‘Yung pinakita niya this season sobrang ganda, from defense to offense. Proud ako sa kanya,” she said.
(GM)