RAIN OF ARROWS: Canino powers La Salle past UP

Stung by its defeat the last time, De La Salle University toppled University of the Philippines (UP), 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Angel Canino led the charge with 24 points, including 20 attacks and four blocks as the Lady Spikers rebound from their tough loss to University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday.

“Even though we came from a loss, our standing is still on edge because our mindset is to take it one game at a time,” said Canino, who earned player of the day honors.

Shevana Laput provided ample support with 21 points off 15 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while Lilay del Castillo chipped in 11 points.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus emphasized the level of competition in the UAAP amid the UST heartbreaker.

“There’s no weak team in the league. Every opponent will challenge you. Each team plays at a high level, so you need to push yourself based on what the other team brings.”

UP put up a fight, claiming the second set and surging to an early 8-3 lead in the third. However, the Lady Spikers, powered by Canino, Shane Reterta, Jyne Soreño, responded to take the 2-1 set lead.

La Salle then sealed the win with a strong finishing kick, outscoring the Fighting Maroons down the stretch to wrap up the match in two hours and eight minutes.

Despite the loss, the Fighting Maroons showed resilience, led by Irah Jaboneta’s all-around effort of 15 points, 11 receptions and eight digs.

Joan Monares added 11 points, but UP suffered its second consecutive defeat after opening the season with wins against University of the East and Far Eastern University.

Laput, who played a key role in La Salle’s bounce-back win, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“Of course, we’re happy with this win. We’re going to keep contributing because the results will come.”

La Salle also found success in the men’s division, overcoming a sluggish start to defeat UP in four sets, 23-25, 25-13, 26-24, 25-15.

Like their women’s counterpart, the Green Spikers bounced back from a midweek loss to UST, securing their second win of the season.

Open hitter Vince Maglinao paced La Salle with 21 points, including 17 attacks and four aces.

On the other hand, UP suffered its third straight loss, slipping to 1-3 for a joint-sixth standing with Adamson.

Nigerian reinforcement Olayemi Raheem led the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, while Gelay Lagando added 11.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University (FEU) continued its strong start in the men’s division at 11 a.m., overcoming a gritty Ateneo de Manila University in four sets, 25-23, 32-30, 23-25, 25-15.

Despite dropping the third set, the Tamaraws maintained their composure to finish the match in two hours and two minutes.

Mikko Espartero led FEU with 21 points, including two blocks and one ace, while Dryx Saavedra matched his effort with 21 points from 15 attacks, five blocks and an ace.

The Blue Eagles, now at an even 2-2 record, had another stellar outing from Ken Batas, who tallied 22 points.

Jettlee Gopio and Brian Castro chipped in 12 points each, but it wasn’t enough to halt FEU’s momentum.