Count on mothers to be biggest supporters as Alva Laput flies all the way from Australia to catch her daughter Shevana play in the UAAP Season 87 Finals.
There is nothing more poetic than a display of a mother’s love right on Mother’s Day, as La Salle battled NU in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alva Laput, mother of La Salle hitter and MVP candidate Shevana, flew all the way from Australia earlier this week to catch her daughter play on the biggest stage of local collegiate sports. For her, it was a no-brainer to support her daughter at such a crucial point of the season.
“I just arrived this Thursday and this is the second time actually that I’ve seen Shevana [since flying back]. Yeah, it’s quite thrilling but we’re gonna do it again on the next game,” the matriarch told One Sports.
Laput said that she was moved by Shevana’s moment with older brother James during their Final Four match against the UST Golden Tigresses last week, where the two siblings shared an embrace that showed her exactly what she needed to see to fly out.
“It is quite touching. I couldn’t help myself actually. At that time, I was crying myself. I saw the hikbi, you know, the hikbi she was doing that and I said, ‘Oh my God, my baby girl’, and I’m just so glad that kuya [James Laput] was there to support her. I’m glad talaga na magkasama sila, and that’s why I’m here,” the elder Laput said.
“James said mommy you have to come. You have to really come and be there for her, and I’m here.”
Despite La Salle suffering a setback in Game 1, falling against NU in four sets, Alva had nothing but good things to say about her daughter’s performance. Having been her supporter since day one, she believes they can turn the tides as long as they can keep going.
“I’m very proud of Shevana in that sense,” she said.
“She is quite a resilient girl and she really does work hard and just making sure that she tries and does her best and everything is just go with the flow and the result will come. So like I said, let’s just hope for the best,” she continued.
In Game 1 of the Finals, Shevana finished with 16 points and eight excellent digs. She backstopped Angel Canino’s game-high 22 points in the losing effort for La Salle.
The Lady Spikers will hope to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday, May 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.