Angel Canino and Bella Belen could be teammates for the first time since 2019 in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
Known for their fierce battles on the taraflex, De La Salle University's Angel Canino will be teaming up with Season 86 MVP Bella Belen of National University in Alas Pilipinas for the upcoming Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women.
The two were named in the Philippine women's national volleyball pool on Wednesday.
The tournament will mark the second time where Canino and Belen will team up for the national team. The first came during ASEAN School Games back in 2019.
"I'm very excited maging teammate si ate Bella kasi knowing grabe din naman skills niya. 'Yung characteristics niya inside talagang makaka-boost inside, so I'm very excited," Canino told reporters prior to the UAAP Season 86 awards ceremony.
Aside from Belen, the DLSU superstar is also looking forward to playing with other UAAP stars included in the national team.
"Also, nilo-look forward ko rin sina Casiey Dongallo [and] ate Aly Solomon, kasi siyempre, magkalaban kami sa UAAP eh, so I really look forward na makalaro siya sa national team natin," said Canino.
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With training set in the coming days, the Season 85 MVP will be all eyes and ears in further improving her game.
"'Yung national team is a big opportunity for us para makita kung ano pa 'yung kulang namin individually and ano pa talaga 'yung kailangan namin or pwedeng gawin sa sarili namin and syempre, itong opportunity na ‘to is to present kung sino talaga kami. We’re given the opportunity to represent our country so we’re very proud of it," said Canino.
The AVC Challenge Cup for Women is set from May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.