Canino powers La Salle vs AdU

Games on Wednesday (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. – Adamson vs UP (men’s) 12 noon – Adamson vs UP (women’s) 2 p.m. – NU vs La Salle (women’s) 4 p.m. – NU vs La Salle (men’s)

La Salle zeroed in on a possible perfect first round, with a 22-25, 2514, 25-16, 25-19 win over Adamson in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

Super rookie Angel Canino once again unleashed her might with 21 points on 20 attacks plus 17 receptions as the Lady Spikers pulled off a four-setter for a 6-0 record ahead of their anticipated rematch with titleholder National U to end the first round.

Thea Gagate (16) and Fifi Sharma (12) provided a net wall with combined 11 blocks while veteran spiker Jolina dela Cruz worked on all fronts with 10 points, 10 digs and 13 receptions.

Facilitator Mars Alba also rose to the occasion, proving her caliber beyond just setting up her teammates with seven points on four aces, two attacks and a block plus 15 sets.

“Sobrang shaky ng start namin. Pinaalalahanan ko lang naman sila after ng first set na kailangang makabalik kami. Good thing, nagising ‘yung team,” said interim coach Noel Orcullo.

La Salle, which had Canino for a limited preparation after being under the weather, started on a wrong foot with 4-8 and 1016 deficits versus the rampaging Adamson with three straight wins to show including sweeps of Santo Tomas and Ateneo.

But slowly, the Lady Spikers got into the groove and fought back from a first-set defeat.

Meanwhile, Ateneo floored University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-20, 25-22, to check a four-game skid and improve to 2-5 entering the second round.