Shane Reterta apparently has a knack for showing up in big games, coincidentally delivering some of her best performances against back-to-back champion National University.
The fearless sophomore from Bethel Academy played a crucial role in De La Salle University’s thrilling 27-25, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13 escape over NU to complete a perfect elimination-round sweep and advance to the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals last April 19.
In that match, Reterta erupted for a career-high 21 points built on 14 attacks, four aces, and three blocks. She also showcased her all-around game with 18-of-34 excellent receptions and 15-of-34 excellent digs.
She then proved that performance was no fluke, stepping up once again on an even bigger stage as the Lady Spikers took Game 1 of the Finals against the Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, to move just one win away from sweeping the entire season on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Siguro po, kung ano po yung nilaro ko last game, parang nasa isip ko po na kung hindi ko po siya kayang mahigitan, parang gagawin ko po kung ano yung nagawa ko last game or kung kaya po talaga mahigitan,” said the 5-foot-9 outside spiker after clinching Game 1.
“Para na rin po sa team na kita po talaga na sobrang tiyaga sa training and alam po namin na pagod talaga kami araw-araw sa training para dito, para sa championship game po namin.”
Although she did not put up the same scoring numbers, Reterta still finished as one of four La Salle players in double figures with 11 points, while her floor defense stood out even more.
The primary service target of the Lady Bulldogs throughout the match, Reterta delivered 23-of-40 excellent receptions while also posting 9-of-16 excellent digs.
The next most-targeted receivers were Angel Canino and libero Pia Rodriguez, who each handled eight attempts and converted five excellent receptions apiece.
Despite the straight-sets victory, Reterta admitted the win was far from easy, especially with the Lady Spikers needing to erase deficits in both the first and third sets.
“Naging mahirap po sa amin kasi yung score po talaga namin ay dikitan po. May time pa po na nauna talaga sila. So hinabol po namin, pinagtyagaan po namin. And maganda naman po yung pinakita ng team,” she said.
La Salle now has a chance to close out the series, complete a tournament sweep, and capture its 13th championship this Saturday at 5 p.m. at the MOA Arena.
