Third-year player Shevana Laput understands just how big her role is with the DLSU Lady Spikers as they seek a deep run in UAAP Season 87.
Opposite spiker Shevana Laput has blossomed into a reliable scorer for the DLSU Lady Spikers as she grew into stalwart status — especially now in her third year with the Taft squad in UAAP Season 87.
Though the focal point of offense has mostly been former Rookie MVP Angel Canino, Laput has steadily matched her teammate’s output which has framed her as one of the best options for Ramil de Jesus and his team.
Finishing with a career-high of 25 points in La Salle’s third straight win at the expense of Ateneo on Wednesday night, Laput said that it was a role that she had gotten used to before.
[RELATED: UAAP: La Salle reasserts mastery vs injury-hit Ateneo, extends head-to-head win streak to 15]
“Personally, last season, especially in Round 2, I feel like I had already started that role of being one of the go-to guys, being someone that my team trusts and relies on. Personally, that wasn't that big of a change [this year],” Laput said after the game.
“But I feel like currently, coming to the end of Round 1, I feel like I've finally got my groove, and I finally connected to the rest of my teammates, and I feel like I've been really stepping up into that role of being an ate, and being someone who can be trusted on the court,” she added.
Even during the offseason, Laput has been one of the more consistent sources of offense for the Lady Spikers.
And with the DLSU Lady Spikers finally hitting their stride after an up-and-down start to the year, Laput is holding on to the ever-reliable system of De Jesus’ proven championship calibre.
“Just for our team, it was all about being true to ourselves, being authentic to ourselves, and playing our game that we know, sticking to our system,” said Laput.
With things finally looking up for La Salle, who are now 4-2 for the season, Laput is looking forward to continue honing her craft.
Ending their Round 1 campaign with FEU over the weekend, Laput will be pulling out all the stops to continue on their winning ways.
“It's just about trusting our system, our coach and our players, and just making ourselves prepared for this coming games. Because all teams, as coach has said, they're all competitive, so we're ready for all of them,” said Laput.
Apart from Laput, Canino also ended up with a big game, finishing with 17 points, eight excellent digs, and four excellent receptions.