MANILA – Angel Canino came up with clutch hits as De La Salle-Zobel Junior Lady Spikers dethroned National University Lady Bullpups 25-21, 25-23, 15-25, 16-25, 15-8 in the UAAP Season 81 high school volleyball finals on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
The Bacolod City native finished with 21 points, on 19 attacks and two blocks, for the Junior Lady Spikers, which captured their 10th crown overall and their first since five years ago.
Canino was also adjudged as the season’s Most Valuable Player and Best First Outside Spiker. A fellow Bacolodnon, Ma. Cassandra Carballo, also had a strong showing with 4 points and 17 excellent sets.
“Super happy (sa championship),” said Canino, a former Bacolod Tay Tung High School standout. “Hindi ko rin po ini-expect na ganito ang lalaruin namin and super happy ako sa kilabasan ng laro namin.”
After the match was stretched to five sets even though the Junior Lady Spikers won the first two sets, the ladies in green opened the decider with an 8-0 score behind Canino and Alleiah Malaluan.
While the Lady Bullpups made their last push to come close 6-9, the Junior Lady Spikers were just too determined to end their thirst for the crown with late conversions from Canino.
“Napakasaya ng feeling. Buong La Salle-Zobel community, sumusuporta sa programa,” said Junior Lady Spikers head coach Christina Salak. “Nakaka-overwhelm. Lahat ng hirap ng mga bata, nagbunga, iyong tulong nila at sakripisyo nila.”
Faith Nisperos had 21 points, including two blocks, while Jimy Jean Jamili chipped in 16 hits, 13 digs and eight receptions for the Lady Bullpups, which were four-time UAAP juniors champions prior to the defeat./PN
