FOR perhaps the first time in recent memory, nobody stepped into the center during La Salle’s traditional 'Archer stance' to cap off the season.
As the Lady Spikers celebrated their perfect run in UAAP Season 88, seniors Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, and Lyka de Leon all stayed around the circle rather than, as quite a few have feared, taking their places for farewells from their teammates and the green-and-white community.
READ: Canino, Laput, Provido, De Leon all returning for La Salle title defense
The moment immediately fueled speculation regarding the futures of La Salle’s veteran core, particularly with these four still eligible to return for Season 89 despite already being linked to possible pro aspirations.
According to Canino, the decision was deliberate and even had the blessing of head coach Ramil de Jesus.
“Undecided pa po kaming lahat, kaya walang pumunta sa gitna,” she said. “Bilin po ‘yun ni coach Ramil kasi wala pa naman pong graduating [fifth year] sa amin.”
All up to you
The longtime Lady Spikers mentor, for his part, made it clear that convincing players to stay has never been his role.
“Never akong nakipag-usap sa mga players ko na mag-stay,” he said. “Merong ibang tao siguro dapat para mag-convince sa kanila, pero hindi ako.”
Instead of a final farewell, this year's 'Archer Stance' turned into a question mark - not quite a goodbye, but not exactly a promise of return either.
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