Shevana Laput played an inspired game and came up big in a thrilling third-set fightback for De La Salle University’s strong start in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Lady Spikers team captain restored order in the chaotic endgame, hitting timely kills, including the game-winning missile, for a 25-19, 25-14, 27-25, opening day victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Laput finished with a game-high 23 points from 20 attacks, two kill blocks and an ace with five digs in an all-around performance as she made sure La Salle would spend the rest of Valentine’s Day celebrating.

Angel Canino scored 15 points while Alas Pilipinas teammate Amie Provido provided six of Lady Spikers 11 kill blocks to finish with 11 points. Rookie setter Eshana Nunag tallied 12 excellent sets for the Season 87 runner-up.

“I think it shows that we’re a team that wants to win. We’re a team that wants to redeem ourselves,” Laput said.

“For the past two years, for at least Angel and I, we’ve come third and come second so it only makes sense we come first now and this really sets the pace for the rest of the season,” the 6-foot-2 Filipino-Australian said.

La Salle squandered a 21-19 lead in the third frame, allowing the Lady Tamaraws to mount a 5-1 rally to reach set point. Canino and Laput then took over to finish off FEU.

Gerzel Petallo paced the Lady Tamaraws with 11 points while Cla Loresco and Jaz Elarina got eight and six points, respectively.

The Lady Spikers set the tone early in the match and were in full control after a lopsided second frame.

FEU showed better resistance in the third set and took a 16-12 advantage. La Salle answered with an 9-3 blitz capped by a Shane Reterta hit for a 21-19 cushion.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines welcomed new Italian head coach Fabio Menta with a 25-12, 25-9, 21-25, 25-19, win over University of the East.

Veterans Nina Ytang and Irah Jaboneta powered the Fighting Maroons with 14 points each. Transferee Casie Dongallo added 13 points against her former team while Jelai Gajero finished with five markers in her league debut.

Van Bangayan scored 19 points, Bea Zamudio got 14 markers and KC Cepada had 10 for the Lady Warriors, who suffered a 15th straight defeat since a winless Season 87.

In men’s play, FEU flexed its chemistry and firepower to blast La Salle, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, while UP escaped UE in a five-setter, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-11.