After barely escaping the fiery challenge of Far Eastern University, Angel Canino could not help but marvel at how Gerzel Petallo had transformed in Morayta.
De La Salle University remained unbeaten through 11 games in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament after surviving FEU, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10, on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Giving the Lady Tamaraws hope for a reverse sweep was Petallo, who made her return late in the first set after missing three games due to a right shoulder injury.
“Sobrang proud kasi sa pagkakilala ko kay Gerz before nung Zobel kami, mahiyain yun. And to think na nag-transform siya sa pagiging matapang, yung walang takot, nakaka-proud kasi ginawa niya yun sa sarili niya. At hindi na maalis yun ng mga tao sa kanya,” said Canino post-match.
Canino and Petallo were teammates at De La Salle Zobel during their high school playing days under the tutelage of Tina Salak, FEU’s current head coach.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The two exchanged blows in this five-set thriller, which saw the Lady Spikers secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four in case they fall short of sweeping the elimination round.
Canino finished with 24 points, 14 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions, while Petallo — fresh off injury — contributed 14 points, 18 receptions, and nine digs.
“Ayun, talaga ang hanga ko sa kanya kasi sa lahat ng laro, talagang pinapakita niya na kaya niya. Kahit anong mangyari, kahit nga galing sa injury, pinapakita niya na kaya niyang iangat yung team niya, so nakaka-proud yun,” Canino added, praising the FEU captain.
Despite the brave stand, the Lady Tamaraws still fell to 6-5, tied for fourth with the Adamson Lady Falcons.
On the other hand, the Lady Spikers have already fended off two reverse sweep attempts to stay perfect, though the match also exposed cracks in their armor.
“Kailangan hindi kami magpa-complacent sa lahat ng nangyayari sa team namin. Kailangan din naming tiyagin lahat-lahat ng puwedeng mangyari in game at puwedeng mangyari sa training namin,” said Canino, a leader in her own right.
“Kasi yun nga nakuha na namin yung first two sets, isang set na lang pero medyo nawala yung tiyaga namin so ayun talaga yung biggest lesson namin.”
