The powerful duo of Angel Canino and Eya Laure led Alas Pilipinas to yet another come-from-behind win in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Friday night.
Canino, who is in her first tourney for the senior national team, unleashed 22 points, while Laure registered 17 points.
The Philippines edged out India, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18 inside the jam-packed Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The two even had a moment – a moment of confusion perhaps – during the third set that went viral on social media due to its rarity.
EWAN KO SA INYO ANGEL AT EYA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/ewleEJ5jP5
— 𝐕𝐓 (@volleytiger) May 24, 2024
The South Asians were closing in after a Shaalini Saaravan hit and a Laure attack that went out to inch within two supposedly, 12-14.
However, the coaching staff of Alas called for a block touch challenge, and after the review, it was deemed successful, giving the Philippines a 15-11 lead and the service.
Confusion followed as to who would serve. Canino went to the line and was about to serve when she heard her coaches shouting that it was supposed to be Laure.
The De La Salle University ace quickly passed it to the Chery Tiggo superstar, who then hurriedly threw a serve to beat the eight-second timer.
The burning question now is: Was that play legal and allowed?
The answer is yes.
It is stated in chapter 4, subsection 12.4 of the current FIVB official volleyball rulebook that there was nothing illegal in what the Nationals did.
“Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. Dribbling or moving the ball in the hands is permitted,” subsection 12.4.2 reads.
Canino did neither during her time at the service line, as she did not release the ball yet before passing it to Laure.
Moreover, the University of Santo Tomas product was able to beat the eight-second timer after the whistle of the 1st referee because of her action to serve quickly while Canino returned to the right position on the court.
That allowed Alas to retake the momentum after India’s attempt to come back. Laure hit back-to-back while Canino scored two as well during the remainder of the set.
19-year-old rookie Arah Panique came up with two hits of her own as the Philippines took the third set, deflating the morale of their foes en route to the victory in one hour and 55 minutes.
The country’s crowd darlings are now 2-0 on top of Pool A and are out to make it three in a row when they battle Iran later today at 7:00 PM.
