Swag here, staredown there.
Game 1 of the best-of-three finals of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament did not disappoint as De La Salle University and National University figured in an epic five-set battle with both teams not giving up an inch.
But in the end, the Lady Spikers secured Game 1 with an 18-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13 victory in two hours and 53 minutes in front of 10,995 blue and green-clad fans inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Sunday night.
Rookie of the Year favorite Angel Canino proved her worth on the biggest stage with 21 points on 19 attacks and two service aces alongside 14 excellent receptions.
She also had her moments of showcasing her on-court antics but during the post-game interview, the 19-year-old outside spiker clarified that it’s all part of the game.
“It’s part of the game naman as usual so kung ano naman pong nakikita niyo sa loob, laro lang po yun,” said Canino.
“Sa labas, magkaibigan po kaming lahat.”
Playing in the championship round in her first year at the collegiate level, the 5-foot-11 spiker out of Bacolod is going all out.
Canino showcased her maturity beyond years after the Lady Bulldogs took a 2-1 set lead, maintaining her focus despite the focus.
“Actually ang mindset lang namin, sinasabi ko lang sa sarili ko na ilabas mo na ang pwede mo pang ilabas kasi wala na eh, nandito na, ito na yung totoong laban kagaya nga po ng sinasabi ng mga coaches na ito na yung totoong laban,” she shared.
“Natutuwa ako sa experience na ito and malaking opportunity yun para sa akin na makapaglaro sa Finals and mailabas kung anong kaya naming ilabas. Sabi ko may pressure pa rin yun pero kailangan lang namin ibalewala lahat ng pressure from external and internal.”
Game Two of the best-of-three Finals will be on next Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Lady Spikers are eyeing to close out the NU right there and then.
Aside from Canino, also contributing were Thea Gagate with 17 points, Shevana Laput with seven points; and Jolina Dela Cruz, Mars Alba, and Leiah Malaluan all making six points apiece.
“Actually it’s very emotional lang ngayong panalo namin kasi alam namin eh, araw araw namin itong goal sa sarili namin as a team na manalo yung finals and finally nanalo po kami ng finals game 1 pero hindi kami titigil kasi meron pa naman pong next game,” said Canino.
