MANILA – Angel Canino had a decent Alas Pilipinas debut as they scored a 22-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21 stunner against Australia in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Negrense volleybelle finished with 17 points, on 15 attacks, one block, and a service ace, as the national women’s volleyball team cruised to a 1-0 start in Pool A action.
“This is my first game sa seniors (women’s volleyball team), kaya ang nasa akin lang is ‘yung puso,” Canino said during her Player of the Game interview. “Kahit galing ako sa injury, talagang all out na ako, kasi para ito sa country eh.”
Ejiya Laure also ended up with 17 markers, including 14 attacks, Cherry Rondina and Thea Gagate contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively, while Julia Morado-de Guzman provided game-long brilliance with her ball distribution.
“It was not just me, it was a total team effort, I can do it alone. Leadership wise, it was not just me, everyone inside the court tumulong talaga,” said Morado-de Guzman, who serve as Alas Pilipinas’ team captain.
After dropping the opening set, the Alas Pilipinas were engaged in a tight battle in the second frame with the score tied at 13-all before they turned things around behind Vanessa Gandler and Laure to tie the set score at 1-1.
The Alas Pilipinas rode on the momentum in the third frame for a 16-10 lead behind the dominance of Canino and Gagate. The advantage grew further for the Philippine team with attacks from Laure and Canino for a double-digit edge.
Philippines surged to a 4-0 start in the fourth set before widening it to 16-7 with attacks from Canino and Laure. Australia rallied to within 18-21 but Alas Pilipinas answered with 7-3 finishing run behind Laure, Rondina, and Sharma to complete the upset.
After facing India on Friday night, the national women’s volleyball team will close their group stage matches against Iran on Saturday night and Chinese Taipei on Sunday evening.
“I think ang ma-expect nila sa team is to do even better, kung anuman ang mga mistakes na nagawa namin (against Australia) pipilitin naming ma-lessen ‘yun,” Canino said. “Siyempre habang tumatagal ‘yung tournament, mas bumibigat ‘yung kalaban.”/PN
