By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers showed why you should never underestimate a heart of a champion after pulling off a successful series deficit comeback against the Adamson Lady Falcons during the grand finals of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals volleyball tournament.
DLSU continued their momentum from their huge Game 2 win and swept the Lady Falcons during the winner-take-all Game 3 finals match, 25-19, 25-22, 25-17, last August 13, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
It was an early test of character for the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball defending champions after the Lady Falcons stunned them during Game 1 in five grueling sets.
Eager to retaliate and avoid their first-ever back-to-back losses in the prestigious SSL tournament, the Lady Spikers finally had their grip on the series when they dominated Adamson in Game 2 and followed it up with another clinic in Game 3.
Shevana Laput was again the Lady Spikers’ difference-maker in the rubber match after overpowering the Lady Falcons with a 13-point Game 3 performance.
Laput was efficient with her attacks and completed 11 successful spike attempts alongside two huge blocks.
Despite going down early 8-11 in the opening set, Laput’s scoring frenzy was able to put DLSU back in the game and spearheaded a momentum-clinching 10-1 run to retake the lead, 18-12.
From there, the Lady Spikers just snowballed their way into the game and asserted their mastery over the Lady Falcons.
The trio of Alleiah Malaluan, Thea Gagate, and Amie Provido backstopped Laput after scoring 10 points each to take care of their Game 3 business.
“Sa amin, exposure ang hanap namin dito pero ito bonus na nag-champion. Maganda kasi kahit paano, nakita namin ‘yung mga kulang pa at kailangang i-adjust pagdating ng UAAP,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo after the win.
