Still adjusting without Angel Canino, the DLSU Lady Spikers had to pull off all the stops to escape with a five-set win over the UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Tuesday, April 9.
It's safe to say that De La Salle University Lady Spikers were not all too pleased with their performance even after escaping with a five-set victory over the University of the East, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, April 9.
The Lady Spikers had to pull off several clutch attacks and blocks against the 2-8 Lady Warriors to seal their 7th-straight victory of the season.
After the match, La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo immediately bared the team's disappointment in the victory.
"Bad win, bad win itong nangyari sa amin. Although panalo pero hindi maganda para sa amin," Orcullo said during the post-game press conference.
"Siguro tine-test talaga kami kung hanggang saan 'yung character nitong team na ito, kung hanggang saan makakaya. Hopefully, huwag na maulit," he added.
While the team is still winning, these are some trying times for the champs, as this is the second-straight game where reigning MVP Angel Canino sat out as she recovers from her arm injury.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Angel Canino day-to-day with right arm injury, says La Salle deputy Noel Orcullo]
Prior to this, DLSU also had to work hard to earn its victory over the University of the Philippines in four sets.
That's why Orcullo believes that the Lady Spikers are still yearning for Canino's presence and leadership on the court.
"Siguro as of now talagang hinahanap pa rin nila si Angel, although nandiyan naman 'yung presence niya eh, pero 'yung presence niya sa loob talagang hinahanap ng mga teammates," said Orcullo.
"Si Angel bilang isang leader, nahihila sila ni Angel doon sa kailangan i-push nila 'yung mga sarili nila. Pero ngayon, mangilan-ilan nagiging leader sa loob eh," he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Shevana Laput, rest of DLSU Lady Spikers ready to step up amid Angel Canino’s absence]
As La Salle looks to find its form without Canino, Orcullo shared his reminders to the team as they enter a crucial stretch in the season which could decide their seedings in the Final Four.
"Hindi lang isa ang dapat maging leader, hindi lang puwede 'yung captain ball, dapat lahat tayo maging leader sa loob. Hindi pu-puwede maging isang leader sa inyo. Maging leader kayo sa sarili ninyo," said Orcullo.
Up next for the Lady Spikers will be the Season 84 and 85 Finals rematch against the 8-2 National University on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena at 4:00 p.m.
"I-expect talaga namin na the upcoming games hindi siya madali. Kailangan lang namin mas tiyagain pa and mas sipagin pa. Magsisimula talaga 'yun lahat sa training," Orcullo said.