“SHAINA is Shaina, wala na kaming masasabi doon. Pero kami, we’re La Salle.”
These were the words of former rookie-MVP Angel Canino ahead of La Salle's UAAP Season 88 showdown with her Alas Pilipinas teammate Shaina Nitura and Adamson.
Those words rang true on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, as the perfect and pace-setting Lady Spikers were pushed to the limit by the Lady Falcons in a five-set duel.
Nitura spread her wings and soared with a triple-double of 21 points from 17 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, along with 17 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
“Si Shaina talaga, all-out yun kahit may nararamdaman. All-out sa paglalaro, nilalabas talaga yung puso niya sa paglalaro and nakikita naman every game,” Canino told reporters after tallying her own triple-double of 18 attacks, 12 excellent digs, and 11 receptions.
Adamson's growth
Despite Nitura’s stellar showing, La Salle stayed composed and did the La Salle things to ultimately survive and stay unblemished at 6-0.
READ: Canino makes sure La Salle braves through scare from Adamson
Nonetheless, the fact that upstart Adamson put up a good scare on the so far standard-setters is more than enough proof the Lady Falcons are no longer defined by Nitura and Nitura alone.
“Actually, ngayon talagang may katulong si Shaina, yung team talaga nila, lumalabas na,” Canino said.
“Makikita mo na pinupusuan nila kada puntos. Kaya minsan hindi din kami nakakakuha ng puntos agad kasi nakikitaan ko din silang lahat na gusto nilang manalo.”
Indeed, Frances Mordi was right there with the Adamson skipper with 22 points of her own, as rookie middle Lhouiz Tuddao added 11 markers. Playmaker Fhei Sagaysay continued her steady play, as well, with 19 excellent sets on top of four points.
With Nitura’s brilliance and the Lady Falcons' growing collective effort, Canino expressed pride for her Alas teammate.
“Sa pinaggagawa niya (Nitura), sobrang proud ako as her ate. And at the same time, maganda din naman yung pinakita ng Adamson. Mas gusto lang din siguro namin talaga manalo,” she said.
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