Angel Canino and Alleiah Malaluan credit their deep-rooted connection from high school as a key factor in La Salle's return to the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Finals, after defeating UST in the Final Four.
Angel Canino and Alleiah Malaluan have shared countless battles on the taraflex since their high school days at De La Salle Santiago Zobel.
Now, their connection continues to fuel the DLSU Lady Spikers' return to the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Finals.
The Lady Spikers booked their finals ticket with a statement win over the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21, in the Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Saturday, May 3.
Canino delivered a team-high 19 points, while Malaluan posted an all-around effort with nine points, 15 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
[ALSO READ: La Salle displays blocking prowess in Finals-clinching win over UST in UAAP women's volley]
“Siyempre masaya ako to play with Angel,” Malaluan said during the post-game press conference. "'Yung pinagsamahan namin the past few years, parang 'yon 'yung pinaghuhugutan namin sa isa’t isa.”
“Pero kailangan pa naming mas i-strengthen 'yung connection namin para pagdating ng finals, mas handa kami.”
Canino echoed her longtime teammate’s sentiments.
“‘Yung pagsasama namin naman the other year, ever since high school, malaking tulong din siya, lalo sa loob ng court. Kasi, meron akong taong, parang, pagkakatiwalaan din, parang kumpyansa rin,” said Canino.
“‘Yung bond namin since high school, tinatry namin na i-share din with others para, mas buo pa rin kami,” she added.
Together, the two were part of the Zobel squad that upset NU Nazareth in the UAAP Season 81 Juniors Finals and later in the seniors’ division, guiding La Salle past NU as well in the Season 85 title run.
[ALSO READ: Angel Canino, Alleiah Malaluan give coach Tina Salak her flowers after sweeping FEU]
Now, they aim to channel that same winning spirit against the Lady Bulldogs once more in the upcoming Finals as they chase another title for the green and white.
The best-of-three finals will begin this Sunday, May 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, 5 p.m. It will be aired live on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.