DLSU's newly minted captain Angel Canino talks about their rigorous off-season training, as the Lady Spikers prepare for a strong return in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball.
La Salle’s newly appointed captain, Angel Canino, opened up about the intense off-season preparations as the Lady Spikers gear up for a powerful comeback in UAAP Season 87.
The DLSU star spiker emphasized that embracing her role as the Lady Spikers' leader has played a significant part in her growth—both as an athlete and as an individual—leading up to the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.
“Bongga, chariz!” she playfully shared during the UAAP Season 87 volleyball press conference.
“Sobrang daming preparations. Nag-Taiwan kami, nag-Japan kami, Marami pa po kaming ginawa off-season, so ginawa talaga namin ‘yung best namin as a team na humabol sa level ngayon sa volleyball,” she added.
Before her leadership role, Canino made a name for herself in UAAP Season 85, when she was crowned Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
However, in Season 86, injuries to Canino and teammate Baby Jyne Soreño significantly impacted La Salle’s chances of defending their title.
[RELATED: Thrilling season: Six takeaways from UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament]
The Lady Spikers' hopes were dashed as they were eliminated in the Final Four, a setback that fueled Canino's determination to come back stronger.
As her experience in volleyball deepens, Canino reflects on how her perspective has evolved.
“Habang tumatagal ako sa volleyball, hindi lang dapat palo lang nang palo. Kailangan ‘yung maturity mo, ‘yung mind mo nand’yan talaga sa loob. I think habang tumatagal naman nagi-improve din ‘yung maturity namin, with the help of the coaches and sa lahat ng mga staff na tumutulong po sa amin," she said.
Her leadership now extends beyond her individual performance.
“I think it’s more off all-around na lang siguro. It’s not just focusing on myself na,” she explained.
“In the previous years po kasi, nung hindi ako captain, I was more focused on how to contribute inside the court. Ngayon po kasi, it’s more on guiding lahat ng teammates ko po,” Canino added.
The Lady Spikers will be immediately tested, as they take on defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs on February 16, Sunday, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It will be aired live on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Luisa Morales, One Sports Digital)