Angel Canino is confident that this batch of De La Salle University will give Season 84 finals tormentor National University a run for its money.
Their first face-off in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament will happen on Wednesday at 2 pm, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena – a fitting end to the first round.
The rookie Canino, who reigning MVP Mhicaela Belen called the biggest difference for the Lady Spikers this time, is ready to carry the fight for the Green and White.
“Asahan niyo po yung team namin na lumaban kasi Season 84 is a different one and Season 85 sobrang laki ng pinag-iba ng team,” said the 5-foot-11 open spiker from De La Salle-Zobel.
“Asahan niyo po lalaban kami, ilalabas namin kung anong meron kami at kung anong pwedeng ilabas namin as a team and as an individual.”
La Salle is enjoying its best start since 2015 when it began Season 77 at 6-0. The Lady Spikers are also the only undefeated team left in the field as the Lady Bulldogs bowed to University of Santo Tomas in five sets earlier this round.
Canino, who has been tagged as the “super rookie,” is a key factor in La Salle’s unbeaten record. She is averaging 16.33 points so far, first among newcomers.
For interim head coach Noel Orcullo, he is not thinking about the history between the two with NU dominating them last season, not allowing them to get even a set.
Instead, their preparation against the Lady Bulldogs would be the same as with other teams.
The Lady Spikers are coming off a four-set victory against Adamson University, 22-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“As usual, gaya ng ginawa namin going to Adamson game, hinanapan namin kung ano yung weaknesses and tendencies nila pag naglalaro,” shared Orcullo.
But more than its opponent, La Salle will always lean on its system – the system of head coach Ramil de Jesus that won 11 championships in the league.
“Ganon pa rin naman kami eh yung sistema nandoon pa rin naman and patuloy naman namin iniimprove yung bawat isa sa mga bata and the whole as a team,” added Orcullo.
