Rookie Mikee Santos heeded De La Salle University’s call in the absence of top scorer Shevana Laput.

Lodged into a starting role, Santos did not disappoint, proving her readiness to step up as she helped the Lady Spikers remain unbeaten in three games for a share of the lead in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

Santos delivered 10 points in a stellar run as a substitute for skipper Laput, who was feeling under the weather, in La Salle’s 25-12, 25-15, 25-19, drubbing of erstwhile undefeated University of the Philippines on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m just happy. I always keep in mind what our coaches always say, that this is the time to show what we train for. As a rookie I also want to help my seniors,” the 19-year-old winger said.

“So, it’s something that I keep in mind during the game.”

Santos scattered eight kills with two kill blocks and added two excellent receptions as a starter in all three frames for La Salle, which tied three-peat-seeking National University on top of the standings.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus was surprised with the performance of Santos, who, like first-year setter Eshana Nunag, has shown what she could bring to the table as the future of the Lady Spikers.

“Actually, I didn’t expect this. I never fielded them in a tournament before aside from the exhibition games in Davao. But here in the UAAP I have no expectations on how they will perform. It depends on how they do in training. If they show good in training, I expect them to do good in games,” the 12-time UAAP champion mentor said.

Santos relished the opportunity and trust given to her by De Jesus as well as the support of La Salle seniors like Alas Pilipinas members Angel Canino and Amie Provido.

“This is important because as a rookie, it’s my first time to play in the UAAP. It will help me to be confident and steady inside the court. I’m using the experiences of my Ates as inspiration to push myself to do better,” she said.

La Salle will shoot for a fourth straight win on Sunday against listless archrival Ateneo de Manila University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.