La Salle, sans injured Angel Canino, downs gutsy UP squad

De La Salle University took down University of the Philippines, 26-24, 25-20, 24-26, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers played sans key player and reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Angel Canino, who arrived in the venue with a sling on her arm.

Canino had an accident involving her arm and no timetable was given yet for her return.

Shevana Laput had 21 points anchored on 18 attacks, while Alleiah Malaluan had 17 points as the Taft-based squad improved to 8-1.

Irah Jaboneta had 18 points, while Stephanie Bustrillo had 16 points as the Fighting Maroons went down to 1-9.

La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said the players just needed to step up in Canino's absence.

“Siguro nabigla 'yung mga bata, hindi inaasahan kasi nga wala si Angel pero sinabihan naman namin sila na maging ready lang. Kung sino 'yung papalit sa pwesto ni Angel, maging ready lang,” Orcullo said.

(Perhaps the players were shocked since Angel is not on the floor but we told them to just be ready. Whoever will take Angel's place, just be ready.)

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22, to improve to 5-4. The Blue Eagles, meanwhile, slipped to 3-7.

The Lady Tamaraws' win assured La Salle and National University of slots in the Final Four.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News