The rise of Shevana Laput bodes well for Taft.
For the majority of the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tournament, De La Salle University Lady Spikers super rookie Angel Canino attracted all the attention, and for good reasons. Canino has already established herself as a legitimate threat and the heir apparent to the throne in Taft. But another hidden gem emerged from the Lady Spikers' talented bench in the second round.
On Sunday, 6-foot-2 rookie Shevana Laput took the spotlight and played her best game so far, scoring a career high 16 points to push La Salle past their rivals the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles.
An "accidental" running attack from the back row even earned Laput a high five from coach Ramil de Jesus.
"It was just funny, just because it was unexpected not only for the other team but also for me and coach," Laput explained to reporters after the game.
La Salle interim coach Noel Orcullo has nothing but praise for Laput. The tactician said he has no problem teaching Laput the ins and outs of the sport despite her limited background in competitive volleyball. The sister of Magnolia Hotshots center James Laput transitioned from track and field to volleyball.
"Kahit anong sabihin mo sa kanya, gagawin kasi nga she started from zero. Kahit anong sabihin mo na basic na gagawin niya, talagang gagawin," Orcullo said.
"Walang reklamo. Nakaka-proud, ngayon ang ganda pa ng nilaro, dito pa sa Ateneo nangyari," he added.
Canino, who like Laput is a rookie, is another firsthand witness to the latter's dedication. Unsurprisingly, she also gave La Salle's rising star her flowers.
"I'm very proud sa na-achieve ni Shevana sa ilang months pa lang na tranining. Sa determination and dedication na ma-push 'yung sarili niya to her highest para maglaro, kahit wala siyang full experience sa volleyball, nalabas niya 'yung potential niya," Canino said.
Already assured of the number 1 spot heading into the Final Four, Laput, Canino, and the rest of the Lady Spikers will aim to end the elimination round with a bang against the University of the East Lady Spikers on Saturday.
(With reports from Rainier Mira, One Sports Digital)