It seems that Angel Canino is nearing a return to action after participating in pre-game drills ahead of De La Salle University’s straight-set victory over rival Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday night.
Canino engaged in spiking and receiving drills but did not suit up as La Salle swiftly secured a 25-12, 25-12, 25-18 victory over the Blue Eagles in their penultimate assignment in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Angel Canino joins the pre-game drills of the DLSU Lady Spikers
ahead of the Rivalry game #UAAPSeason86
Neo Garcia/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/EcN9QHFY3c
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 21, 2024
Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo revealed that there was no initial plan to field the reigning UAAP MVP against Ateneo, but he shared that the team is hopeful she can return either against the University of Sto. Tomas on Sunday or in the Final Four.
Orcullo also mentioned that Canino is making progress in her recovery since injuring her right arm.
“Maganda naman yung progress ng recovery niya, so far nagte-therapy naman siya so hopefully makabalik talaga siya. Kung hindi man sa game sa UST, sa semis,” said the long-time deputy of head coach Ramil De Jesus.
Shevana Laput, who has taken charge for La Salle since Canino’s injury, vowed to continue stepping up for her batchmate until her return.
Laput finished with 15 points on 12 attacks and three kill blocks against the Blue Eagles, helping the Lady Spikers move to within a win of securing a twice-to-beat incentive with an 11-2 card, tied with National University and UST.
“With Angel, she’s my batchmate. With her out, I need to step up for her and do justice for her. Personally, I’m playing for the both of us right now. I always say to her, this is also yours,” said Laput.
La Salle will face off against the Golden Tigresses as they aim to secure their spot in the top two on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at Araneta.
