The moment Cassie Carballo’s service became an ace, propelling the University of Santo Tomas to the Finals, also marked the beginning of De La Salle University’s journey to redemption.
After being dethroned in a heart-wrenching 20-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-19, 7-15 defeat to the Golden Tigresses on Sunday evening, in front of a mammoth crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Lady Spikers embraced and accepted their defeat.
However, this did not signify the end for De La Salle. For their top gunner, Angel Canino, this defeat will serve as a springboard for a much stronger comeback and performance in Season 87.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Siyempre nakakalungkot din po ang nangyari, pero hindi kami titigil dito. It serves as motivation for all of us,” said Canino.
“Ito ‘yung pagkatalo na iyon. Ang season na ito ang motivation namin,” she continued.
Canino, the Season 85 Rookie MVP, missed five games in the second round due to a freak accident. She later made her return in the final game of the eliminations, which was also against UST.
In their Final Four showdown, Canino finished with 14 points, 12 digs, and eight excellent receptions.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
The Lady Spikers, however, need to reclaim the crown without key figures. They lose Thea Gagate, Maicah Larroza, Jenya Torres, and Jhay-ar Levina – the ones who went to the middle during the “Archers’ Stance,” a tradition of the team to give their seniors one last salute.
Interestingly, team captain Julia Coronel did not go to the middle during the tradition.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
