By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers are determined to reclaim the championship in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City beginning this weekend.

Negrense star Angel Canino said the Lady Spikers are motivated to bounce back after failing to defend their crown and settling for a bronze medal finish during the UAAP Season 86 last year.

“Sobrang laking motivation sa amin ‘yun as a team, lalo na sa akin kasi marami akong games na nawala,” said Canino, who missed most of the Lady Spikers’ Season 86 title defense due to a right arm injury.

“For me talaga, ayoko na mangyari ulit ‘yun na hindi ako makapag-contribute sa team. Nandoon lang ako sa gilid. Gusto ko talaga na makatulong ako hangga’t sa makaya ko sa team,” she added during the league’s press conference on Thursday, February 13.

The 21-year-old volleybelle further said the most valuable lesson she learned from her seniors is that no matter what obstacles come their way, the team must trust in each other and the process.

“I think ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-nakuha kong lesson sa kanila — na kahit ano man [ang] pinagdadaanan, walang bibitaw sa amin. Dapat mas strong pa ‘yung bond and communication namin sa loob kahit ang dami na naming pinagdaanan,” she said.

“Hindi ko iniisip na pressure talaga siya para sa akin. It’s for me to help the team also para maging isang path kami and isang goal, same as the coaches. Ready ako tumulong at handa akong mag-step up lagi para sa team,” the DLSU captain added./ASC, WDJ