Angel Canino’s era as an opposite spiker has begun in dominant fashion, particularly evident in the first game.
In her debut for Alas Pilipinas in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, the UAAP Season 85 rookie MVP dazzled despite transitioning from her natural position as an outside spiker to an opposite hitter.
Canino recorded a game-high 17 points, comprising 15 from attacks, one from a block, and one from an ace, marking a successful start to her new role.
Crucially, these statistics weren’t just superficial. The Philippines secured a come-from-behind victory against Australia, with a score of 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, in front of 4,945 passionate fans at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Thursday evening.
Despite being hailed as the Player of the Game, the 20-year-old versatile spiker deflected the credit to her teammates.
“I’m very happy lang kasi siyempre, I’m not expecting really sa self ko and hindi ko naman po magagawa lahat nang ito kung wala po yung mga teammates ko,” said Canino, who came off a freak arm injury in early April.
“Credits din sa mga teammates ko po and credits din sa mga coaches kasi they guide me talaga inside and outside the court. So sobrang thankful ako sa kanila kasi nandyan sila para sa akin.”
She also highlighted her connection with Jia De Guzman as a key factor in her impressive debut for the senior national team.
Despite it being their first time as teammates, De Guzman quickly developed a rapport with Canino. And it showed in their performance in Alas’ inaugural game as a group, despite having been formed just weeks earlier.
“Actually, ano talaga, natutuwa ako and sobrang nakakakilig din talaga sa feeling na pinagse-setan ka ni ‘the’ Jia De Guzman,” said the De La Salle main gunner.
“Sobrang happy lang din kasi, syempre na-experience ko yung first game with her and natuwa ako kasi parang pinupush nya talagang magka-connection sa amin isa-isa.”
