Shevana Laput delivered the biggest performances of her collegiate career on the grandest stage, powering the La Salle Lady Spikers to a championship sweep while taking home the Finals MVP award in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
After contributing 11 points in La Salle’s 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 Game 1 victory over the NU Lady Bulldogs, Laput elevated her game even further in the clincher.
The 6-foot-2 opposite spiker erupted for a game-high 20 points built on 14 attacks and 6 blocks, alongside 8 digs, as the Lady Spikers completed their 16-0 season with a commanding 25-22, 25-16, 25-16 win before more than 22,000 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Based on the last game, we knew NU was gonna come in more motivated to take this win. Because of that, we also had to come in more motivated to win the championship. I believe that’s what we did—we defeated them in three sets, it shows that we really, really wanted this championship,” said Laput.
Inside Shevana Laput’s Meteoric Rise
Shevana Laput’s rise has been one of the most unique stories in collegiate volleyball.
Originally a track and field athlete in Australia with no volleyball background, the Fil-Australian standout developed into one of the UAAP’s premier players under La Salle’s program, eventually becoming a two-time champion and now a Finals MVP.
In her first season serving as team captain, Laput embraced the responsibility of leading a loaded Lady Spikers squad that reclaimed the championship and completed the league’s first perfect season since Season 84.
“Not very much of a personal chip but more of I wanna be the best version of myself for these girls. That’s my goal the entire season,” Laput said.
“To be the best version I can be to help and guide these girls and support them in the way I can. Today is how I could be the best version of myself for them.”
Indeed, Shevana Laput looked her best on Saturday in La Salle’s championship clincher—and it’s looking like she can be even better.
