La Salle team captain Shevana Laput was left indisposed for the past two games, but the Lady Spikers were able to keep themselves steady in UAAP Season 88 volleyball.
Team-first mentality shone through for DLSU Lady Spikers captain Shevana Laput as she returned to action after a two game absence due to illness, with La Salle whipping UE in straight sets, 25-15, 25-20, 25-19, in the first round of UAAP Season 88 on Saturday.
Despite missing a key cog on offense, the team continued to enjoy success behind the steady offense and leadership of her co-captain Angel Canino, while also seeing players like rookie Mikee Santos step up in her stead.
[READ: La Salle’s Mikee Santos rises to the occasion for indisposed Shevana Laput vs UP]
Rejoining her team in a victory that gave them their best start in UAAP women's volleyball in 11 years, Laput spoke highly about her teammates.
"I am so damn proud of you, Angel. You're not the co-captain for no reason. We're doing this together. And of course, I'm very proud of the whole team," Laput said, registering nine points in her return at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"I mean, honestly, I don't think they were looking for me. If anything, they were... I'm just so happy that they rose to the occasion, rose to the opportunity that they got given."
With Laput still nursing herself back to health, she expressed belief in her teammates that even when she isn't a 100%, there's nothing to worry about because even if she's back, the push from the rest of the team remains the same.
"Yes, I'm back. But at the same time, that confidence that they have won't ever leave now. So, yeah, I'm just so proud of them all," she said.
"And I think they all know from the very long messages that I have sent them, which I probably don't think they read, but that's fine," she added.
La Salle's capable arsenal was in full display against UE, with the Lady Warriors hardly threatening the Taft-based squad.
Apart from Laput's nine-point outing, Canino also unleashed a team-high 12 points, while Lilay Del Castillo and Amie Provido added 10 and eight markers, respectively.
With her confidence brimming for the team's efforts, Laput is able to get back on her feet patiently.
Armed with a day-to-day mindset, the Fil-Aussie hitter is hoping to regain her form just in time for when La Salle will need her later on in the season.
"I guess, supposedly, individually. Of course, I want to get back to my original playing. But, one game at a time, slowly but surely," she said.
La Salle upended a UE challenge which gave them their first 5-0 start since UAAP Season 77, while the Lady Warriors skidded to 0-6 for the season, extending their grueling losing streak to 20 games.
Khy Cepada had 14 points in the losing effort for UE.
The Lady Spikers vie for another win when they face the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday, March 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, UE hopes to avoid a winless first round when they play their last game of the first half of the season on Saturday, March 14, also at the MOA Arena.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.