Shevana Laput, Angel Canino lead La Salle to first win

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle leaned on Shevana Laput and Angel Canino to repel the tough challenge of the University of the Philippines, 25-14, 18-25, 26-24, 25-12, in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.  

Laput and Canino formed a potent combo for the rebuilding Lady Spikers, who had to overcome a second-set loss and tight duel in the third before pulling away in the fourth with a 14-2 start for their first win in Pool C.

Laput unleashed 18 points including the game-winning cross-court kill, while Canino had 16 points. 

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“For the team, it was really just sticking to our system, listening to what the coaches were telling us but most importantly playing with pride and puso,” said Laput, the 2023 National Invitationals Most Valuable Player.

Amie Provido and Katrina Del Castillo added 10 and eight points, respectively, in La Salle’s Shakey’s Super League return after a year of absence.

Rookie Kianne Olango led UP’s gallant stand with 12 points. Kassandra Doering finished with seven points. Irah Jaboneta and Niña Ytang added six each.

Meanwhile, Ateneo outlasted San Beda in five sets, 22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-7.

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Lyann De Guzman willed the Blue Eagles from two sets down, leading the comeback with 17 points to win their first assignment in Pool A.

JLo Delos Santos and Zel Tsunashima were also instrumental 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Angel Habacon led San Beda’s gallant stand with 14 points only to miss the chance to close out the game despite the 2-0 advantage.

In Pool B, Johna Dolorito poured in 20 points off 17 attacks and three aces to lead Lyceum past Mapua in five sets, 25-9, 19-25, 20-25, 26-24, 15-12.

Less than 24 hours after losing to UE, Dolorito and the Lady Pirates bounced back to improve to a 1-1 record.