Shaina Nitura is far from finished making history in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
After taking the league by storm with record-breaking performances — including the UAAP single-season scoring record, rookie scoring record, single-game scoring record, and most 30-point games in a single season — the phenomenal Adamson University rookie has firmly established herself as the greatest scorer in UAAP collegiate volleyball history, across both men’s and women’s divisions.
On Wednesday, April 23, Nitura erupted for 35 points in a five-set thriller against De La Salle University.
Despite the loss, her performance pushed her season total to a staggering 349 points, breaking the previous all-time record of 344 set by University of Santo Tomas legend Mark Alfafara back in Season 76 (2014).
Built on 315 attacks, 23 blocks, and 11 service aces — highlighted by a league-best six 30-point games — Nitura’s incredible statline will be remembered for years to come.
Record-Breaking 38-Point Game vs UP
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Seven games into her collegiate career, Nitura broke the UAAP women’s volleyball single-game scoring record with a jaw-dropping 38-point performance in Adamson’s 15-25, 25-15, 26-24, 22-25, 10-15 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons on March 16.
She tallied 35 attacks and three service aces, along with 15 excellent receptions and eight digs — surpassing the iconic 35-point games previously set by Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo and Sisi Rondina of UST.
Interestingly, all three record-setting performances ended in losses: Valdez’s 35 came in a Season 75 defeat to Adamson (2013), and Rondina’s effort in Season 81 (2019) also ended in a five-set loss to Ateneo.
Breaking the Single-Season Scoring Record vs FEU
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On April 12, Nitura shattered the UAAP women’s volleyball single-season scoring record with a dominant 37-point outburst in a 14-25, 29-27, 25-22, 25-22 win over Far Eastern University.
Her performance included 31 attacks, five blocks, and one ace — along with 13 digs and 12 receptions — giving Adamson a crucial second consecutive win and building momentum in the latter part of the season.
The outing pushed her total to 314 points, eclipsing the 312-point record previously held by Valdez from Season 77 (2015).
Bounce-Back 36 vs UST
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After a subpar 21-point showing in a straight-sets loss to Ateneo, Nitura bounced back with a vengeance against UST on April 2. She scored 36 points on 32 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while adding 11 digs and nine receptions.
Despite her heroics, Adamson fell short again, suffering a heartbreaking 18-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-27, 8-15 loss to the Golden Tigresses in their second-round clash.
Surpassing Alfafara in Penultimate Game
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In her penultimate match of Season 87, Nitura once again lit up the scoreboard with 35 points, but Adamson faltered to La Salle in five sets, 19-25, 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 4-15.
With that performance, Nitura raised her season total to 349 points — surpassing Alfafara’s long-standing record of 344 points, built on 290 attacks, 29 blocks, and 25 aces in Season 76.
La Salle’s adjustments paid off, however, as they managed to slow down the 20-year-old outside hitter in the final two sets, holding her to just six points after scoring 29 in the first three frames.
Still, the match marked Nitura’s sixth 30-point game of the season — a feat unmatched in UAAP women’s volleyball history.
Scoring Statement in Debut vs Ateneo
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Right from her UAAP debut on February 16, Nitura made it clear she was no ordinary rookie.
She dropped 33 points in Adamson’s come-from-behind win over Ateneo, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, immediately setting the rookie single-game scoring record.
With 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, along with seven receptions and five digs, she also surpassed UST’s Angge Poyos, who had set the rookie scoring benchmark with three 31-point outings in Season 86.
Redemption vs NU with 32 Points
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After being limited to 13 points in the first round against National University, Nitura bounced back strong on April 6 with a 32-point performance — 30 attacks and two blocks — to lead Adamson to a 25-23, 15-25, 28-26, 25-22 upset over the defending champions.
She also recorded 10 digs and six receptions, ending an eight-match losing streak against NU dating back to March 3, 2019.
A Rookie Season to Remember
It’s safe to say that Shaina Nitura’s rookie campaign will go down as one of the most electrifying and transformative in UAAP women’s volleyball history.
From a historic debut to a record-breaking farewell, Nitura redefined what it means to be a rookie, raising the bar for future newcomers aiming to make an immediate impact in a highly competitive league.
But beyond the numbers, her legacy lies in how she inspired her teammates, revitalized the Adamson program, and set a new benchmark for leadership and excellence — one that will guide the Lady Falcons for seasons to come.
