With major playoff implications on the line, De La Salle University’s twice-to-beat aspirations hung by a thread after they found themselves down 1-2 in sets against the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson University.
After falling victim to Nitura’s 29-point explosion through the first three sets, the Lady Spikers’ coaching staff took a gamble by starting rookie hitter Shane Reterta in the final two frames.
That risk paid off for La Salle as Reterta showed poise beyond her years in the clutch. She contributed four of her nine points in the decisive fifth set, leading the Lady Spikers to a thrilling 25-19, 21-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-4 victory over the Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, held Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Reterta’s standout performance drew praise from La Salle’s main gunners, Shevana Laput and Angel Canino.
Canino — who powered the Lady Spikers with 22 points, 23 excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs — commended Reterta’s bravery and positive energy. She cited how it helped La Salle stay in the hunt for the last twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.
The Season 85 Rookie-MVP highlighted how Reterta’s fearless play kept the team going.
“Sobrang thankful din kasi kahit senior kami or kahit isa kami sa mga leaders sa loob, nakita ko rin talaga kay Shane yung tapang sa loob ng court. Wala akong nakitang takot pagpasok niya. Pagpasok niya, ngiti lang siya, which is sometimes ‘yon din yung lacking sa amin na kapag narrattle na kami, we have to remind ourselves na ngumiti lang and gumalaw,” Canino said.
“Si Shane nagbigay sa amin noon, especially yung crucial points. Nakita rin namin na gusto niya dalhin yung team sa panalo, which nagawa niya rin,” she added, applauding Reterta’s breakout performance of nine points on seven attacks, three excellent receptions, and three excellent digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Laput, echoing Canino’s sentiments, described Reterta as a much-needed “breath of fresh air” when she started in the fourth and fifth sets. The Fil-Australian opposite hitter also noted that Reterta’s emergence in a competitive rookie field — including players like Nitura, Adamson’s Fhei Sagaysay, UP’s Kianne Olango, and UST’s Marga Altea — proves that anyone can be a game-changer and make an immediate impact for the Lady Spikers.
“It’s a breath of fresh air really. When she came in, we just knew that she’s got our back. And this generation that’s coming, Shane is one of those people that are coming into this new generation,” said Laput, who finished with 21 points on 16 attacks and nine excellent digs.
“They are just showing that whether you are a rookie, whether you are an Ate, everyone can step up and everyone can be a game changer in this game.”
Reterta was quick to return the praise to La Salle’s dynamic duo, Laput and Canino, saying her bravery and joy on the court were inspired by the camaraderie and leadership shown by the Lady Spikers’ veterans throughout Season 87.
Thanks to Laput and Canino’s stellar performances, along with the team’s resilience despite early struggles, the Lady Spikers are on track for their 15th straight Final Four appearance — an impressive streak dating back to Season 70 in 2008.
“Masasabi ko na parang yung team talaga namin ay hindi talaga basta-basta bibigay. Kilala ko yung mga Ates na lalaban talaga hanggang dulo — kahit ano yung score at kahit ano mangyari sa amin,” Reterta said.
“Kailangan ko muna i-handle yung pressure sa sarili ko. Hangga’t makakaya ko, hangga’t kung ano mailalabas ko para sa team, gagawin ko.”
#WATCH: Rookie Shane Reterta earns high praise from Coach Noel Orcullo, Shevana Laput, and Angel Canino after her clutch heroics in La Salle’s epic comeback win over Adamson
@ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/ahPGeIDeNL
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 23, 2025
