Having seen their dedication behind the scenes, DLSU ace Angel Canino isn’t surprised to see these three Lady Spikers in the running for a national team spot.
Not one, but three DLSU Lady Spikers are among the new prospects considered by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation in their 33-woman wishlist for the Alas Pilipinas national team.
Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, and Shevana Laput are all expected to try out for an Alas Pilipinas spot, and could potentially join captain Angel Canino for this year’s international competitions if things go according to plan.
Canino, one of 14 Alas Pilipinas holdovers in the PNVF pool, was more than happy to see her longtime teammates being considered for a national team slot.
“Syempre, sobrang happy and sobrang proud ako sa kanila, kasi pinaghirapan nila makasama sila sa wishlist, and masaya kasi makakasama ko sila sa national team. Alam ko rin naman ‘yung willingness nila as a player and as an athlete so ‘yun, sobrang proud ako na makakasama ko na sila,” Canino said in a short media scrum on Wednesday following DLSU’s sweep over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
More than their growth under legendary coach Ramil de Jesus, Canino pointed out that the trio have stepped up as leaders for Season 87, which further validates their inclusion in the Alas wishlist.
Malaluan is now in her senior year with the Lady Spikers, while Provido and Laput are third-year aces as they lead a younger core that includes rookie setter Mikole Reyes and middle blocker Lilay Del Castillo.
“Sila Ate Leiah kasi, sila Shevana, and Amie, bigla sila naging leader inside the court, so malaking step ‘yun sa kanila. And I’m happy lang kasi ginagampanan talaga nila ‘yung role, and pinanindigan talaga nila ‘yung role at gusto nila maging leader sa loob, so ‘yun ‘yung isa sa pinakamalaking improvement nila sa loob ng court,” Canino said of her longtime teammates.
Canino herself has been a valuable asset for Alas Pilipinas, where she seamlessly adjusted to being an opposite spiker for De Brito despite being a natural outside hitter.
It remains to be seen what position she will play for Alas’ 2025 competitions, but the 23-year-old ace promised to be ready for whatever role will be asked of her on the international stage.
“Kahit anong position naman, lagi ko sinasabi kay Coach Jorge na ready ako mag-perform kung anong ibigay sa akin. ‘Di ko iniisip na gusto ko sa ganung position lang, and parang ino-open ko ‘yung mind ko,” said the Lady Spikers’ ace.
“Because I think the national team is a big opportunity for me na maging mature sa loob ng court and maging ako. And I think mago-grow lang ako kasi mailalabas ko ‘yung sarili ko sa comfort zone ko, and isa ‘yun sa mga nakukuha sa national team.”
Angel Canino is already looking forward to reuniting with her original Alas teammates, along with sharing the court with UAAP rivals such as NU’s Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
“Looking forward ulit [makasama] si Ate Sisi [Rondina], si Arah [Panique]. Syempre gusto ko rin makasama talaga si Ate Aly Solomon, Bella Belen, and si Ate Jia [Morado-De Guzman]! Gusto ko ulit makasama si Ate Jia kasi hindi lang siya basta-bastang leader sa court, sobra-sobra ‘yung pagmamahal niya and mararamdaman mo ‘yung leadership niya sa labas ng court.”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.