La Salle’s Shevana Laput in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals finals Game 1. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Shevana Laput’s 30-point explosion wasn’t enough to save La Salle from falling to the gritty Adamson in Game 1 of the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational Finals on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The 6-foot-2 opposite spiker left everything on the floor but La Salle blew a 20-11 lead in the fourth and absorbed a 25-22, 17-25, 25-17, 25-27, 14-16 collapse to Adamson — its first loss of the tournament.
“I gave my all, everybody gave their all,” Laput told reporters. “There’s always room for improvement for all of us. It’s a lesson to work harder and play smarter.”
The incoming sophomore was surprised with her high-scoring output built on 22 attacks, four blocks, and four aces, crediting it to her hard work and teammates.
“Honestly, I had no idea [that I scored 30 points] until I looked at my phone right now. It’s cool. it’s like wow. I guess it just shows that I’m working hard. I don’t really know what to say,” Laput said. “The points are just not me, it was my teammates who gave it to me.”
With their backs against the wall, Laput remained optimistic about their chances despite needing to win back-to-back games on Saturday to force a decider, which is scheduled a day after.
“Obviously, the winning mindset, positive mindset. There is no doubt that I know we can do this but it is putting into work and the effort,” she said.