Eshana Nunag delivered a steady performance in her first game as La Salle’s starting setter, helping the Lady Spikers open their UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign with a 25-19, 25-14, 27-25 win over Far Eastern University on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The freshman playmaker finished with 12 excellent sets and three points in her debut as part of the starting six.

“At first, of course, I was nervous since I’m a freshman and I was already in the first six,” Nunag said.

 

 “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. I feel reassured inside the court even when I make mistakes.”

La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo, speaking on behalf of head coach Ramil De Jesus, said the rookie from La Salle Integrated School passed her first test.

“So far, in her first game, we thought she might get shaken, but she handled it well,” Orcullo said. “Hopefully her confidence keeps building as the league goes on.”

Nunag credited team captain Shevana Laput and Angel Canino for keeping her composed throughout the match.

“During the game, they’re very vocal. Even when there are errors, they’re always there saying it’s okay and that I can bounce back,” she said. “Since I’m in a non-scoring position, I get my confidence from them.”

Nunag hopes to stay composed in La Salle’s next game against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday next week.

“We can handle the crowd,” she said. “I just expect the noise and focus on the game.”