ROOKIE opposite hitter Shevana Laput is fast proving she has what it takes to provide additional firepower for La Salle, showing her brilliance as a starter in the team’s past two games in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
The Filipino-Australian spiker, stepping up for the injured Leila Cruz, displayed her flair against the gritty Adamson University Lady Falcons in a 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9 Wednesday last week, scoring six points to help La Salle secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final 4.
Laput also rose to the occasion against Ateneo, posting a career-high 16 points on 15-of-25 attacks and one service ace in the Lady Spikers’ 25-22, 25-19, 25-18 win to clinch the No. 2 seeding in the Final Four last Sunday.
“Points-wise, I had no idea that I actually did that many but I’m proud of myself,” Laput said. “The victory was amazing, you know. Like coach said, we have to fight harder because we started slow and again it’s against a rival school. It just feels great to be victorious.”
Laput earned the accolade as Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week for April 19-23 week presented by San Miguel Corporation and Philippine Sports Commission.
La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo was proud of Laput’s development.
“Sobrang proud ako sa batang ito. Napaka-teachable niyang bata. Kahit ano iyong sabihin mo sa kanya, gagawin kasi nga she started (from) zero, kahit ano iyong sabihin mo na basic na gagawin niya, talagang gagawin, walang reklamo,” said Orcullo, speaking for head coach Ramil de Jesus.
