By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Angel Canino of De La Salle University powered the Lady Spikers to an unbeaten run in the second week of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, earning recognition as Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week for February 25 to March 1.

Canino delivered steady all-around performances to keep the Lady Spikers undefeated in the women’s division, even as La Salle played without ace spiker Shevana Laput, who remains sidelined due to illness.

The rookie MVP scored 12 points, along with five excellent digs and six excellent receptions, in La Salle’s straight-sets win over previously unbeaten University of the Philippines (UP), 25-12, 25-15, 25-19.

She followed that with a double-double performance of 21 points and 11 excellent receptions in a four-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17.

Despite La Salle’s strong start, Canino said she does not feel burdened by expectations.

“Hindi ko siya iniisip na ite-take ko lahat ng responsibility kasi madami kaming senior eh, and madami ding mga bata na willing to step up. Magaan din para sa akin kasi alam ko talaga when it comes to playing, hindi lang ako dapat ang maasahan,” she said.

“Lahat kami naasahan sa loob, kaya walang dagdag na pressure. Lahat naman pinaghirapan namin. So lagi namin talagang pinagkakatiwalaan kung anong pinagte-training namin. Napakaganda naman talaga ng resulta, at mapupuri mo talaga ‘yung mga bata,” she added.

Canino was chosen for the weekly honor over teammate Amie Provido, University of Santo Tomas’ Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado, and UP’s Casiey Dongallo./ASC, WDJ