La Salle Lady Spikers celebrate after beating UST GOlden Tigresses in the Final Four to advance to the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —As La Salle returned to the finals after exacting sweet revenge on the University of Santo Tomas, Angel Canino urged the Lady Spikers to bring pride into the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball championship series.
Canino poured 19 points as the twice-to-beat La Salle eliminated UST — its Final Four tormentor last year — with a convincing 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory on Saturday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For the Lady Spikers start it’s all about upholding the standard set by 12-time champion coach Ramil de Jesus as they make their third finals appearance in four seasons and face a familiar foe in National University.
READ: UAAP: La Salle banking on championship poise in twice-to-beat bid
“‘Ako ay start with pride.’ I think the most important thing heading into the finals is for La Salle players to carry pride,” said Canino.
“That’s part of coach Ramil’s legacy that has been built over the years. Being a Lady Spiker, you have to value that identity. When you enter the finals, you need to bring values you can share with the team, which will also reflect on the court. And also, self-discipline and respect for the opponent—those are things coach Ramil is known for.”
La Salle Lady Spikers’ legendary coach Ramil de Jesus during the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final Four. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
De Jesus steered La Salle to its 21st finals appearance.
La Salle previously lost to NU in the Season 84 finals before Canino’s rookie MVP run led them to a title in 2023. However, they were dethroned by UST in the Final Four last year.
READ: UAAP: Angel Canino says ‘expect a lot from me’ in La Salle title bid
Now in her third year, Canino was thrilled to redeem themselves.
“UST is never an easy opponent. They’re known for their solid defense and they don’t give up no matter the score. We had to fight for every point because they wanted it just as much,” said Canino. “But we wanted it more—we have a goal for this team.”
Game 1 of the championship series between NU and La Salle is set for Sunday next week at the Big Dome.
“This is just the beginning of what they call the real battle, so we need to prepare and improve what needs to be improved,” Canino said.
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