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Former La Salle captain Julia Coronel, among the Lady Spikers’ visitors after their UAAP women’s volleyball finals loss to NU, beams at the idea of Angel Canino and Shevana Laput fueling a Season 88 redemption arc
MANILA, Philippines – After the La Salle Lady Spikers suffered another painful UAAP women’s volleyball finals loss at the hands of the NU Lady Bulldogs, former La Salle team captain Julia Coronel expressed optimism that the team, led by Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, would rebound next year.
“There is definitely going to be a different Angel, I would say that (Season 87) became a transition period for her, since embracing the role of team captain is not easy at all,” Coronel told Rappler.
“And yet, she again grew throughout this whole season…she still has more to offer next season.”
The Lady Spikers, who only took one set out of seven in the two-game finals series sweep, were understandably dejected after the series and declined media interviews following the Game 2 ouster, as they usually do after a majority of losses.
Coronel, who visited the locker room along with former teammates like Jolina dela Cruz, Justine Jazareno, Thea Gagate, and Maicah Larroza, described the mood in the locker room as “unhappy,” but “hopeful” for the upcoming year.
She likened the feeling to what the Lady Spikers felt during their Season 84 finals series sweep loss to NU, which La Salle recovered from and claimed the Season 85 title.
“We were really just encouraging them. As their ates (older sisters), we know that goes on in the team, we know how it feels when we win, lose, or win despite playing ugly,” she recalled.
“We felt the need to really be there for them, because we know how it feels when losing, especially in a championship series.”
Canino-Laput co-captainship?
Coronel also added that Laput, a volleyball late bloomer, would probably serve as co-captain alongside Canino in Season 88.
However, as Laput just started playing volleyball after the pandemic, the Fil-Aussie needs more time to mature in the sport.
Despite the relative lack of years to her peers, Laput was still recognized as Best Opposite Hitter of the season and was a runner-up to eventual three-time MVP Bella Belen at the end of the first round of eliminations before being usurped by the sensational Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura of Adamson.
Meanwhile, Canino, the Season 85 MVP, was recognized as the 2nd Best Outside Hitter.
Laput, who was invited to participate in the ongoing Alas Pilipinas training camp, is still unsure to play as she is affiliated with Volleyball Australia.
Alas is currently training to prepare for several Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) competitions such as the SEA V.League, and the Nations Cup, formerly known as the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup. – Rappler.com
