Angel Canino surprised after being named AVC Challenge Cup Best Opposite Spiker

Angel Canino herself was surprised as she was named as the Best Opposite Spiker of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.

After all, it was not her natural playing position as she usually plays as an outside hitter and there were other competitive opposite spikers.

"Parang nagugulat ako sa result and nagulat ako na naging Best Opposite [Spiker] ako kasi knowing this AVC, marami akong kalaban sa spot ko so I didn't expect anything," Canino said on Wednesday.

"Hindi ko naman talaga hinabol talaga 'yung itong award na 'to."

(I was surprised by the result and I was shocked that I was named Best Opposite because knowing this AVC, I have many competitors for this spot so I didn't expect anything. I was not chasing this award.)

Still, she credited her teammates and the coaching staff for what she has achieved.

"It's more on making history talaga for the Philippines and it's more of my teammates din talaga so credits talaga sa teammates ko, sa management, sa mga coaches kasi hindi ko magagawa lahat ng 'to kung hindi dahil sa kanila. Sobrang na-appreciate ko [sila]. Itong award na 'to, hindi 'to akin."

(It's more on making history for the Philippines and it's more of my teammates so credits to them, the management, and coaches because I would not be able to do this if not for them. I appreciate them. This is for them.)

For Canino, beyond the award, her takeaway from this stint is that she can do other positions if necessary.

"Tingin ko naging comfortable naman po ako sa posisyon na 'to but what I can say right now, anumang posisyon ibibigay sa akin in the future, kakayanin ko at gagawan pa ng paraan."

(I am comfortable in this position so right now, what i can say is that whatever position I will be assigned in the future, then I can do it and work it out.)

Alas Pilipinas finished third overall as the Philippines defeated Australia in the bronze medal match on Thursday.

—with reports from Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News