Angel Canino and her batchmates did more than just deliver a championship in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. They also upheld the culture that has defined the La Salle Lady Spikers under longtime head coach Ramil de Jesus.
After reclaiming the crown and completing a perfect 16-0 season, Angel Canino reflected on the added responsibility that came with leading a veteran core composed of Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon.
For the seniors, the challenge went beyond simply winning games—it was about preserving the standards and maturity expected inside the Lady Spikers program.
“Mas mahirap talaga ‘pag senior ka na,” said Canino, who tallied 11 points and 10 digs in La Salle’s championship-clinching win over the NU Lady Bulldogs.
“’Yung responsibility mo, yung lahat ng ginagawa inside and outside the court talaga, kailangan mong pag-isipan nang mabuti kasi may mga bata kaming kasama.
“Talagang kailangan namin i-lead yung mga bata with the maturity that we want and the maturity that the coaches want from us. Parang fulfilling lang kasi nagawa na namin. ‘Yun lang yung goal namin, kaming Batch 122—bago lahat ng mga gusto namin talaga, ibibigay kay Coach yung gusto niyang mangyari. Happy kami na nanalo kami.”
Angel Canino and Company Continue La Salle’s Dynastic Run
The Season 88 championship marked La Salle’s 13th women’s volleyball title under De Jesus, further cementing one of the UAAP’s most successful dynasties.
But for the Lady Spikers, maintaining that standard has always required constant evolution and accountability from every generation that passes through the program.
After falling short against NU in Seasons 86 and 87, La Salle entered Season 88 determined not only to reclaim the crown but also to raise the program’s level even further.
“Siguro kasi, always naman talaga sinasabi ni Coach—right after a championship—hindi nagtatapos lahat ng ito sa isang championship,” said Canino.
“Kung anuman ang pinakita ngayon, mas higitan pa kasi kagaya nga ng lagi naming sinasabi, every year ‘yung level ng volleyball mas lalong tumataas. Mahirap siya, pero at the same time, it’s more on sa hard work namin and sa sacrifices naming lahat—ng mga coaches, mga staff, mga players.
“Hugot din kasi marami kaming personal na pinagdadaanan. Isa ‘yun sa mga hugot namin kung bakit gusto naming magpatuloy at ipakita sa mga tao ang mga best namin. And of course, with the help of the coaches—and Coach Ramil talaga—kaya na-bring out yung best namin talaga. Sana matuloy pa kung anuman ang masimulan nito.”
With Angel Canino and several key seniors still undecided about their futures, La Salle could return next season with much of its championship core intact as it eyes a successful title defense in Season 89.
