From having no prior experience in volleyball, De La Salle University transformed Shevana Laput into one of the best players in the UAAP Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Laput repaid that trust and belief with a memorable performance in the Season 88 Finals, powering the Lady Spikers to the championship and a 16-0 sweep while earning Finals MVP honors.
The 6-foot-2 opposite spiker scored 11 points in La Salle’s 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 Game 1 win over National University before elevating her game in Game 2.
Laput delivered a game-high 20 points in the clincher, built on 14 attacks and six blocks, along with eight digs, as the Lady Spikers completed their perfect season with a 25-22, 25-16, 25-16 victory on Saturday in front of more than 22,000 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Based on the last game, we knew NU was gonna come in more motivated to take this win. Because of that, we also had to come in more motivated to win the championship. I believe that’s what we did. We defeated them in three sets — it shows that we really, really wanted this championship,” said Laput.
Originally a track and field athlete in Australia, Laput’s rise has been nothing short of historic, now a two-time champion and a Finals MVP. She also earned her second consecutive Best Opposite Spiker award.
In her first stint as captain of the Lady Spikers, Laput not only led through her leadership but also delivered on the biggest stage of the season.
“Not very much of a personal chip, but more of I wanna be the best version of myself for these girls. That’s my goal the entire season,” said the Fil-Australian senior.
“To be the best version I can be to help and guide these girls and support them in the way I can. Today is how I could be the best version of myself for them.”
