As De La Salle University celebrated its 13th championship in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament, the electric crowd inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena held its breath, waiting to see who would step into the middle of the Archers’ Stance tradition.
But the Lady Spikers made a quiet yet powerful statement: none of the seniors — Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon — stepped into the middle of the Archers’ Stance.
It was empty.
And for the La Salle faithful, it was a moment full of both joy and anticipation for a possible back-to-back run, as no senior had yet declared their departure from the Lady Spikers.
Speaking at the post-game press conference, Canino clarified that the four seniors remain undecided about their future, which was why none of them took part in the tradition.
“Kaming lahat undecided pa talaga. That’s why walang pumunta sa gitna,” said the Season 85 Rookie MVP.
“Bilin din talaga ni Coach Ramil na walang pupunta sa gitna kasi wala pa po talagang gagraduate. but of course, speaking with the fifth year, kaming lahat undecided pa naman.”
The seniors, however, delivered when it mattered most, powering La Salle to a 25-22, 25-16, 25-16 victory over National University to clinch the UAAP Season 88 collegiate women’s volleyball championship and complete a 16-0 sweep.
Laput was named Finals MVP after finishing with 20 points built on 14 attacks and six blocks in the clincher. Meanwhile, Canino added an all-around performance of 11 points, 10 receptions, and 10 digs.
Provido contributed nine points off five attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Then De Leon anchored the floor defense with 10 excellent digs and 7-of-9 excellent receptions.
