Shevana Laput started as a seldom-used bench player for De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament last year before playing her way to fame and glory.
In the upcoming Season 86 tournament – which starts this Saturday, Feb. 17 – Lady Spikers lead deputy Noel Orcullo revealed that Laput will have an even more significant role.
“Big role since wala pa si Leila siya yung nag-fill ng void na wala si Leila. I think nakaka-adjust naman yung bata.”
Laput, a 6-foot-2 opposite spiker, played very limited minutes in her first 10 games last season. However, she was called up in La Salle’s 11th match against University of the Philippines.
There, she showcased her capabilities by finishing with nine points in a straight sets win.
(C) Roman Prospero/SSL
That game on April 16, 2023, marked the beginning of something special for Laput as her role increased gradually.
That campaign culminated in the Lady Spikers winning the championship over the NU Lady Bulldogs.
Her significance in the team became even more apparent in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League National Invitational as La Salle competed without UAAP MVP Angel Canino.
In the SSL, Laput spread her wings, earning recognition as the league MVP and the Best Opposite Spiker.
She is expected to continue as the Lady Spikers’ starting opposite hitter, as Leila Cruz, who injured her ACL in the middle of Season 86, remains sidelined.
While Cruz’s return this season is still a possibility, Orcullo shared that they are awaiting clearance from doctors before the lengthy spiker can return to action.
“Hinihintay pa namin yung clearance ng doctor so let’s wait and see,” said Orcullo.
