Angel Canino and Eya Laure continue to emerge as Alas Pilipinas Women’s biggest weapons in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
After delivering 17 points each in the Philippines’ four-set debut win over Australia, the La Salle star and the Chery Tiggo ace once again delivered the big blows in the Nationals’ 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18 win over India on Friday night.
Canino spearheaded Alas Pilipinas with 22 significant points on 19 attacks, two aces, and one block while Laure hammered down 17 anew on 15 attacks and two service aces as the team took the solo lead in Pool A with a 2-0 standing.
The 20-year-old Canino and the 25-year-old Laure, in unison, deflected the credit to their teammates, saying that their impressive performances would not have been possible without the effort of each and every one from the squad.
“Di naman po namin magagawa lahat ng puntos na ‘yon kung ‘di dahil sa team effort at kung ‘di pinaghihirapan ng bawat isa. Kailangan talaga namin ‘yung isa’t isa sa loob ng court and ‘yung puntos naman na ‘yon, hindi naman ‘yon para sa’min. Para sa team ‘yon, para sa Pilipinas,” said Canino.
“Di talaga namin magagawa ‘to kung ‘di dahil sa kanila (teammates). ‘Yung team effort na ginagawa namin sa bawat laro kasi, hindi kakayanin ng isa o dalawa lang talaga. Team effort lang lagi kasi malaki talaga ang mararating kapag magtutulungan ‘yung team at patuloy na maniniwala,” echoed Laure.
Alas Pilipinas, just like in its opening game against India, once again fumbled its lead in the opening frame before showcasing its ability to bounce back by winning the next three to complete the win.
Laure said that teamwork and communication played a key factor in their come-from-behind victories.
“Jelling and ‘yung teamwork. Teamwork talaga, communication and siyempre, ‘yung mga binibigay ng coaches na instructions talaga,” said the UST great.
The Philippines, who are set to battle Iran tomorrow and Chinese Taipei, is in a rare position to make it to the semifinals and surpass their seventh-place finish in the previous edition.
Knowing what’s at stake, Canino and Laure vowed to make the most out of the opportunity and pour everything into their upcoming games to help Alas Pilipinas.
“Sobrang different na ‘to at sobrang bihirang opportunity na ‘to na nabigay sa’min. I-gagrab na namin ‘to and siyempre kung ano ‘yung nakikita naming mali, we’ll try to minimize it next time,” said Canino.
“Siyempre nandito na kami. Hindi namin bibitawan ‘to nang basta-basta. ‘Yung opportunity, hindi naman ‘to basta-bastang dumadating lang. Ngayong nandito na sa harap namin, i-mamaximize namin at gagawin pa namin as a team ‘yung pinaka-maganda na pwede naming magawa para sa bayan,” said Laure.
