Canino, La Salle crave for more

Reigning Most Valuable Player Angel Canino felt she could have done better despite defending champion De La Salle University rolling past its first two games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.

The Lady Spikers maintained a perfect record for an early share of the lead in the standings following a sweep of Far Eastern University last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Canino, who also won last season's Rookie of the Year honors, produced 13 points as a starter in all three sets.

But the prolific scorer is still far from satisfied.

"Actually, I feel that I'm not doing enough. All of us in the team are not satisfied with our movements inside the court," Canino said following La Salle's 25-20, 25-17, 25-22, victory that needed only 94 minutes for the squad to accomplish.

"Which means, we have to double our effort in training. We had lots of lapses and errors that we could've avoided inside the court," she added.

Canino, who punched in 11 kills and had seven excellent receptions, has been consistent in the past two games.

She so far has averaged 13.5 points per game including a 14-point production in the Lady Spikers' 25-16, 25-16, 25-18, demolition of Adamson University on the opening day last Saturday.

In both games, Canino was given plenty of time to rest as La Salle built comfortable cushions that allowed head coach Ramil de Jesus to field his reserves.

The winger was also pulled out of the third frame a couple of times with La Salle establishing significant gaps against the Lady Tamaraws.
"Outside (of the court), I know my teammates can do their job. But if the coaches need me, I'm ready," she said.

The Lady Spikers had it easy in the first two games but their next game will surely be a challenge.

La Salle will take on fellow unbeaten squad University of Santo Tomas in a rematch of last season's Final Four on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Golden Tigresses pulled off an upset over Season 85 runner-up National University and tamed the new-look University of the East for a 2-0 win-loss record behind top rookie Angge Poyos and sophomore Regina Jurado.

"Well, we all know UST has a big heart. They'll fight despite having mostly rookies on their team. They will definitely give you a run for your money," Canino acknowledged.

But La Salle, whose only loss last year came at the hands of the then-Eya Laure-led Tigresses, will be ready.

"We are looking forward to Sunday's game. We want to test their mettle. We have to put on more effort to get that win because we know they won't give up that easily," Canino said.