UAAP: ESHANA NUNAG STEADY IN HER DEBUT AS LA SALLE STARTING SETTER

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament – first round

MANILA, Philippines — Eshana Nunag passed her first test as La Salle’s starting setter after a steady debut in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.

Nunag, a product of La Salle High School, had 12 excellent sets and scored three points in their 25-19, 25-14, 27-25 win over Far Eastern University on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“At first, of course, I was nervous since I’m a freshman and I was already in the first six,” said Nunag in Filipino. “But with the help of the coaches and my ates, I felt their full trust. I know they won’t put me in a bad position and that they’ll do everything for me and for the team. So I didn’t have any problems—I feel reassured inside the court even when I make mistakes.”

La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo, speaking for Ramil De Jesus, was impressed by how the rookie setter overcame the first-game jitters. 

“So far, in her first game, we thought she might get shaken, but she handled it well. She passed her first test,” said Orcullo. “Hopefully her confidence keeps building as the league goes on—into the second round and all the way to the end—so it becomes fully solid.”

Nunag thanked captain Shevana Laput and Angel Canino for keeping her afloat during the game.

“During the game, they’re very vocal. Even when there are errors or imperfections on the court, they’re always there saying it’s okay and that I can bounce back. They remind me that someone will finish the play. Since I’m in a non-scoring position, I get my confidence from them,” said Nunag.

Canino stressed the importance of keeping the whole team optimistic regardless of the situation.

“We really make sure to reassure her. As spikers, it’s our responsibility to adjust to any situation. Whatever set she gives—whether it’s perfect or not—we tell her it’s okay. Inside the court, we truly believe that staying positive makes a big difference. Especially with Shevana, when you create a positive environment, it lifts a person up even if she’s at her lowest in the moment,” Canino said.

Hoping to sustain her convincing debut, Nunag seeks to stay composed against the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday next week.

“We can handle the crowd, even if they have more supporters than La Salle. With the support of our teammates and coaches, we’ll be fine. I just expect the noise and the drums and focus on the game,” she said.

2026-02-14T13:01:51Z