Shevana Laput shattered her career-high, delivering a standout performance that led De La Salle University to a 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 victory over gallant archrival Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With 25 points, including 19 spikes, three blocks, and three aces, Laput was the driving force behind the Lady Spikers’ third straight win, propelling them to a 4-2 record and securing their spot in the upper half of the standings.
The victory also extended La Salle’s dominance over Ateneo, marking their 15th consecutive win against their archrivals, dating back to the Season 79 Finals in 2017.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Niremind ko lang sila na kailangan sa ganong klaseng situation, nangingibabaw ‘yung tibay ng dibdib kasi nung third set, nagkaroon ng errors and may sumunod, merong hindi naka-control sa sarili. And then ayun na,” said Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus.
After dominating the first two sets, La Salle was stunned by Ateneo in the third, as Lyann de Guzman, AC Miner, and Yvana Sulit powered a comeback, 25-20.
Ateneo carried that momentum into the early stages of the fourth, even taking an 8-4 lead. However, Laput erupted, leading the Lady Spikers’ fightback, and they clinched the four-set victory after two hours and 14 minutes.
“Sa fourth set, niremind ko lang na kailangan maniwala kayo sa kaya niyong gawin,” added de Jesus.
Angel Canino also contributed 17 points, with 13 attacks, four blocks, and eight digs. Alleiah Malaluan added 12 points, while rookie Mikole Reyes steered the Lady Spikers’ offense with 20 excellent sets.
La Salle will aim for four straight wins on Saturday when they face FEU at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, Ateneo continues to struggle with injuries, including the latest to Sobe Buena.
The team dropped to 1-5, suffering its third consecutive loss.
De Guzman led Ateneo with 16 points, nine digs, and five receptions, while Miner contributed 13 points, including the team’s only two blocks — a stark contrast to La Salle’s 13 blocks.
Ateneo will close out its first-round campaign against the winless University of the East on Saturday as well.
