Lady Spikers ready with or without Angel

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion La Salle just clinched a Final Four slot but would need to shore up its drive to a successful title retention bid in UAAP women’s volleyball without reigning MVP Angel Canino.

La Salle’s key player is nursing a wounded right arm following an off-court accident and there is no definite timeline for her return as the Lady Spikers eye the twice-to-beat semifinal incentive nearing the homestretch of the two-round eliminations.

“Day by day, imo-monitor namin siya. Hindi namin alam kung ano ‘yung (timeline) kung hanggang kailan,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo, clearing that it was a cut on Canino’s arm, and not anything else, that has kept her from playing.

Canino was in uniform with her right arm on a sling when the Lady Spikers battled the bottom-ranked Maroons last Thursday.

The Lady Spikers, left without the 16-point average of Canino, repelled the Fighting Maroons’ strong resistance before earning a 26-24, 25-20, 24-26, 27-25 win for an 8-1 slate.

That victory, aided by Far Eastern U’s win over Ateneo, propelled them to the Final Four along with National U (8-2). Leader Santo Tomas (9-1) was the first team to advance.

All three are expected to go head-to-head for the two win-once bonuses in the Final Four. But La Salle has declared their readiness – with or without Canino.

“Lagi lang namin pinapaalala sa kanila ‘yung mindset na maging ready. Andiyan man si Angel o wala, kailangan ready kayo,” added Orcullo.

“Pagta-trabahuhan pa rin namin kung ano man ang kailangan namin gawin,”” he added.