Angel Canino and the rest of the DLSU Lady Spikers will be out for revenge next season after their Final Four exit in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
It wasn’t the ending that De La Salle University had hoped for in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Coming off a championship last season, many fans expected the Lady Spikers to continue their dominance heading into this season and secure back-to-back championships.
But while the team still did show their championship poise for most of the season, DLSU ultimately fell short after bowing to the University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four in five sets, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20,19-25, 15-7.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino finished the match versus UST with 14 points, to go along with 12 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions. But her strong season will naturally be overshadowed by the team's elimination and her unfortunate arm injury, which caused her to miss five games.
But as she watched UST secure the first Finals slot in the tournament, Canino is already motivated to redeem herself and the Lady Spikers come next season.
“Siyempre nakakalungkot din [‘yung] nangyari but hindi kami dito titigil. It serves as a motivation for all of us,” Canino said during a post-match interview outside the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Ito, itong loss na ‘yun. Itong season na ito, motivation na ito,” she added.
While not an excuse, Injuries seemingly riddled La Salle in Season 86.
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The injury to Canino was most notable, but lefty opposite hitter Jyne Soreño also missed time due to a shoulder injury.
Despite all their ups and downs this season, Canino is thankful for the LaSallian community and fans who supported the Lady Spikers.
“Siyempre sobrang nakakatuwa kasi despite all the wins, all the losses, nandiyan sila. So, overwhelming and alam kong mahal na mahal namin sila and mahal nila kami,” said Canino.