La Salle’s Shane Reterta (left) and Angel Canino (right) during their UAAP Season 87 clash vs. Adamson. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University leaned on an unlikely hero in its crucial victory on Wednesday.

Down two sets to one against Shaina Nitura and Adamson University, and with the Lady Spikers’ twice-to-beat hopes hanging in the balance, La Salle rookie Shane Reterta put up a timely performance for her squad.

Facing Nitura, who erupted again — this time with 35 points — the 19-year-old Reterta scored five in the fourth set, and completed her total output in the fifth by scoring four more.

This was exactly what DLSU needed to keep them in the hunt for a Final 4 incentive, but for the Bethel Academy product, it was their mentality that brought them to victory.

READ: La Salle survives Nitura’s onslaught to keep twice-to-beat hopes alive

“Yung team po namin, 'di po basta-basta siya bibigay,” she pointed out. “Lalaban at lalaban po siya.”

However, for veterans Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, their rookie’s performance should not to be downplayed.

“Kahit kami yung leaders, nakita ko kay Shane yung tapang sa loob,” said Canino. “Wala akong nakitang takot pag pasok niya. Si Shane yung nagbigay sa amin nun, nung crucial points, at talagang nakita namin na gusto niyang dalhin yung team sa panalo which is nagawa niya.”

Canino even described the young Reterta as someone who helps them keep their composure during tense moments.

“Pag pasok niya, nakangiti lang siya,” Angel said. “And sometimes, yun din yung lacking sa amin pag nara-rattle na kami, na dapat ngiti lang.”

On the other hand, the towering Laput described Reterta as a ‘game changer.’

”I’m super proud of our rookie,” said Shevana. “She’s a breath of fresh air. She came in, and we just knew that she’s got our back.”

“This generation that’s coming about, and Shane is one of those players, they are showing that whether you are a rookie or an Ate, everyone can step up and be a game changer in this game,” Laput furthered.

Reterta, for her part, maintained that to live up to these, what she needs to do is embrace the weight that comes with being a Lady Spiker.