La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo expressed concern over the absence of Angel Canino’s leadership on the court, as the Lady Spikers narrowly clinched a five-set victory against University of the East on Tuesday night.
With Canino sidelined for her second consecutive game due to a right forearm cut, the defending champions faced difficulties in closing out the Lady Warriors, nearly surrendering a 2-1 lead before Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput stepped up in the fifth set.
La Salle ultimately secured the win, triumphing over UE in a tight battle with set scores of 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12.
The victory places them jointly atop the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament standings with the University of Sto. Tomas.
“Right now, talagang hinahanap nila si Angel (Canino). Although nandiyan naman yung presence niya, pero yung presence niya sa loob yung talagang hinahanap ng mga teammates niya,” said Orcullo.
“Si Angel bilang isang leader na nahihila sila… Si Angel doon sa kailangan i-push nila yung mga sarili nila. Pero ngayon, mangilanngilan na lang yung nagiging leader sa loob eh,” he added.
Orcullo acknowledged that the team is still adjusting to playing without Canino, whose return remains uncertain.
He now urges his players to step into leadership roles in the absence of the reigning MVP.
“Sabi ko nga last night, hindi lang isa ang dapat maging leader. Hindi pwedeng yung captain ball lang. Dapat lahat tayo maging leader sa loob, hindi pwedeng isa lang yung magiging leader. Maging leader kayo sa sarili ninyo,” said Orcullo.
In Canino’s absence, Thea Gagate and Shevana Laput rose to the occasion once again, contributing 22 and 21 points, respectively, to fill the void left by their teammate.
Alleiah Malaluan also made a notable contribution with 12 points. Meanwhile, Amie Provido and Maicah Larroza added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Spikers.
