With her school struck by key departures, Canino looks to shoulder bigger role beyond scoring
Angel Canino, La Salle’s most promising talent in this era, is not yet content on how she has been contributing so far for the Lady Spikers.
“I am not really satisfied of my games yet,” Canino told the Inquirer on Wednesday.
If that doesn’t send chills down opponents’ necks, consider the context: The Lady Spikers had just notched their second straight win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament after a convincing 25-20, 25-17, 25-22 triumph over Far Eastern University at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle has yet to drop a set in its title defense
La Salle lost four key players from last year’s champion team: Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) and tournament best setter Mars Alba and ace hitter Jolina dela Cruz graduated while middle blocker Fifi Sharma and starting libero Justine Jazareno decided to forego their remaining eligibility to turn pro.
Coach Ramil de Jesus earlier said players forfeiting their remaining playing years make it difficult for schools to create dynasties.
“One day you’re training them then tomorrow, you have no idea whether they’re staying or not,” De Jesus said.
Canino and the Lady Spikers don’t seem that affected so far.
“Everyone in our team really contributed well because the ball was distributed well to the middle, opposite and the open. We worked together,” Canino said.
And they’re only going to get better, starting with last season’s Rookie-MVP.
“I am still kind of getting my timing and we’ve been through a tough time so I need to embrace [the challenge]. I still feel like I am lacking and that I still have a lot to improve,” the 20-year-old said after finishing with 13 points on 11 attacks, a block and an ace.
“Its not about the points always. It’s about the leadership, it’s about how you cheer up your teammates, how they can rely on you because that is already a huge help for the team,” she said. “I am not really looking for my own points, I am really looking forward to the team effort.”
Team effort
That team effort was evident in their most recent victory with libero Lyka de Leon, stepping out of Jazareno’s shadows, guarding the floor after a solid 16 digs and 12 excellent receptions. “With the sudden departure of [Jazareno], it felt like I was forced to step up,” De Leon said.
Opposite hitter Shevana Laput added 10 points, proving she can fill in for Dela Cruz and Sharma.
Thea Gagate, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido and setter and team captain Julia Coronel also did their part to help the offense of La Salle.
Losing all that talent in one go does have its pitfalls.
“Sometimes we get lost so we need to compose ourselves and go back to the system,” Canino said.
And the La Salle star will make sure that she will be the one to help the Lady Spikers find way when things get scattered. “What I am eyeing is for the team. My stellar performance last year, I am really proud of it but past is past,” Canino said.
“I need to face what’s in front of us right now and my team is there, who is helping bring out the best out of me … we all appreciate each other.”
