Rookie Angel Canino is already an MVP. Imagine her flourish more in the years to come.
MVP. Rookie of the Year. Champion.
The UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament couldn't get any better for De La Salle Lady Spikers superstar Angel Canino. She's done it all and experienced the highest of the high in the collegiate level in just her first year. The 19-year-old volleyball sensation has also received the highest of praise from her ate and outgoing La Salle senior Mars Alba.
"Natutuwa ako sa kanya kasi given na rookie pa lang siya, pero kapag gumalaw siya sa loob ng court, parang veteran na siyang lumaro," the Season 85 Finals MVP said of Canino.
Alba predicts a very successful future for the prized hitter from Bacolod.
"Nilu-look forward ko 'yung mga season niya, marami siyang papahirapan pa na teams."
On the program Power and Play, host Noli Eala asked how far Canino could go in terms of her volleyball career. Alba, who assisted most of Canino's kills during the season, said she expects the young star to develop into an international player.
"Ganyan siya katalino maglaro, hindi malabo na maglalaro siya international. So, inaabangan din namin."
Only a handful Filipinas have successfully played abroad as imports. Alyssa Valdez pioneered that batch. Dindin Santiago-Manabat and sister Jaja Santiago followed suit, with Jaja flourishing in Japan. Mylene Paat even became the best scorer in Thailand. Now, MJ Phillips will represent the Philippines in the Korean V-League.
Will Canino follow their footsteps? Only time will tell. But given how she has started her collegiate career, and how players come out of the La Salle program, it's not going to be a surprise if the reigning UAAP MVP eventually becomes an international star.