De La Salle University star Angel Canino said leadership and maturity became the biggest responsibilities for her batch as the Lady Spikers reclaimed the UAAP women’s volleyball crown in Season 88.
Following La Salle’s sweep of National University in Game 2 of the Finals on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Canino reflected on the pressure of leading a younger roster while carrying the expectations of one of the league’s most decorated programs.
“Mas mahirap talaga ‘pag senior ka na,” said Canino. “Yung responsibility mo — yung lahat ng ginagawa inside and outside the court talaga — kailangan mong pag-isipan nang mabuti kasi may mga bata kaming kasama.”
Canino said she and fellow seniors Shevana Laput, Lyka De Leon, and Amie Provido focused on setting the tone for the younger Lady Spikers throughout the season.
“Talagang kailangan namin i-lead yung mga bata with the maturity that we want and the maturity that the coaches want from us. Parang fulfilling lang kasi nagawa na namin,” she said.
“‘Yun lang yung goal namin, kaming Batch 122 — bago lahat ng mga gusto namin talaga, ibibigay kay Coach yung gusto niyang mangyari. Happy kami na nanalo kami,” she added.
The Lady Spikers capped off a dominant 16-0 campaign to secure the school’s 13th women’s volleyball title under head coach Ramil de Jesus.
Despite the perfect season, Canino stressed that the team understands the program’s standards continue beyond a single championship.
“Siguro kasi, always naman talaga sinasabi ni Coach — right after a championship — hindi nagtatapos lahat ng ito sa isang championship,” she said.
“Kung anuman ang pinakita ngayon, mas higitan pa kasi kagaya nga ng lagi naming sinasabi, every year yung level ng volleyball mas lalong tumataas.”
Canino added that the team’s success was fueled not only by hard work on the court, but also by personal struggles that motivated the players throughout the season.
“Mahirap siya, pero at the same time, it’s more on sa hard work namin and sa sacrifices naming lahat—ng mga coaches, mga staff, mga players,” she said.
“Hugot din kasi marami kaming personal na pinagdadaanan. Isa ‘yun sa mga hugot namin kung bakit gusto naming magpatuloy at ipakita sa mga tao ang mga best namin.”
The former MVP also credited De Jesus and the coaching staff for helping the Lady Spikers maximize their potential during their championship run.
“And of course, with the help of the coaches — and Coach Ramil talaga — kaya na-bring out yung best namin talaga. Sana matuloy pa kung anuman ang masimulan nito,” said Canino. (AC)
