DLSU fought hard to climb the UAAP mountain. As the Lady Spikers try to stay on top, they're ready to fight.
As the saying goes, success comes with a cost.
Having successfully reclaimed the UAAP crown last year, the De La Salle Lady Spikers are coming into Season 86 with a target on their back. A huge one, with a bullseye in it.
Star spiker Angel Canino, the reigning Rookie-MVP, is well aware.
She's aware alright, and Canino welcomes all comers.
“Kagaya nga nung sinasabi ni coach [Ramil], it's really hard to defend the championship kaysa mag-champion ka lang for the first time. Nagiging iba 'yung goal namin, nagiging iba din 'yung goal ko,” said Canino.
“Binigyan lang kami ni coach na, 'Sige matuwa kayo sa mga achievements niyo but pagdating ng training, you have to focus sa new goal natin which is we have to defend this Season 86,’” she added.
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The journey to the top is one thing, and staying there is another. That's why the 5-foot-11 outside hitter knows that there should be a shift in mentality, Canino understands that a title defense is different than what they did and achieved last year.
“Iba eh pag nag-champion ka for the first time tapos kailangan mo i-defend 'yung title, so kailangan mo talagang mag-doble kayod, kailangan mong mag-focus sa next level,” said Canino.
And with the ever-growing popularity of volleyball in the Philippines, Canino knows that the level of play will continue to improve.
That means stronger challengers too.
“'Yung volleyball, every year umaangat 'yung level. Same sa college competition, lahat tayo may gustong ma-achieve na goal na mas mataas pa from last year,” said Canino.