La Salle loses MVP Angel Canino indefinitely after right arm accident

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle’s UAAP women’s volleyball title defense campaign in Season 86 hits a big snag.

Reigning MVP Angel Canino is now expected to possibly miss multiple games after arriving at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, April 4, with a heavily covered right arm supported by a sling.

La Salle courtside correspondent Patrice Dabao revealed during the Lady Spikers’ game against UP that Canino suffered an “accident not related to volleyball” and that she has “no set timeline for return,” confirming rampant online rumors that swirled after the Holy Week break.

Due to the sensitive nature of the issue, La Salle coaches Ramil de Jesus and Noel Orcullo respectfully declined to give interviews before their game against the Fighting Maroons, while the players were instructed to not stop for any media availabilities.

Orcullo, however, revealed in the postgame press conference that Canino suffered a gash on her spiking arm, but was also at a loss on how long she will be out, defaulting to a “day-to-day” designation.

UAAP | JUST IN:

Amid swirling online rumors about her well-being, UAAP MVP Angel Canino arrives with the rest of the La Salle Lady Spikers.

Coaches Ramil de Jesus and Noel Orcullo respectfully declined interviews to confirm her status.#UAAPSeason86 pic.twitter.com/LkyUxEVoib

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) April 4, 2024

Despite the sudden major setback, Canino retained a positive aura as she sat out pre-game warmups.

UAAP | WATCH:

Injured UAAP MVP Angel Canino looks to be in high spirits alongside head coach Ramil de Jesus, but does not join warmups ahead of La Salle's game against the UP Fighting Maroons.

The Lady Spikers are currently second in #UAAPSeason86 with a 7-1 record. pic.twitter.com/K2TwZmlnzT

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) April 4, 2024

Without the reigning MVP, the Lady Spikers will now lean heavily on other capable offensive weapons like Thea Gagate, Amie Provido, Shevana Laput, Alleiah Malaluan, and substitute spiker Baby Jyne Soreño.

UAAP | WATCH:

The La Salle Lady Spikers enter the Mall of Asia Arena floor.

UAAP MVP Angel Canino arrives with a sling on her right arm, all but confirming her absence for their next game against UP and possibly beyond.#UAAPSeason86 pic.twitter.com/WO3MWgujBW

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) April 4, 2024

If Canino continues to miss more games after the UP match, her back-to-back MVP bid will also be in jeopardy as there is a minimum-game requirement that players have to hit to keep their eligibility.

With nine games done in the elimination round, La Salle currently stands with an 8-1 record in second place behind league-leading UST. – Rappler.com