Heading into the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, all eyes were on Adamson University’s prized rookie, Shaina Nitura.
The expectations placed upon her were reminiscent of those faced by past Rookie-MVPs Bella Belen and Angel Canino in Seasons 84 and 85, as well as Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos.
That pressure only intensified when the Season 86 Girls’ Volleyball MVP exploded for a sensational 33-point performance in her UAAP women’s volleyball debut.
She led the Lady Falcons to a stunning reverse sweep over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on February 16.
However, just a week later, Nitura faced a harsh reality check.
Against Canino and De La Salle University, Adamson suffered its first loss on February 22.
For a typical rookie, such an early setback could have been discouraging.
But for Nitura, it became an opportunity to learn, adjust, and prove that she is steadily growing into the role of the league’s top rookie.
She displayed that maturity on Wednesday afternoon, leading Adamson to a dominant 25-10, 25-15, 25-12 victory over the still-winless University of the East.
Nitura finished with 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also contributing 11 excellent digs and two excellent receptions in the one-hour, 12-minute sweep.
“Over time naman po sa past three games, medyo mas naglu-loosen up na po kami actually as a team at sa’kin din po,” the Cainta, Rizal native shared.
“Yung mga unang games, medyo stiff nga po talaga. Sobrang limited ng ginagalaw ko. More experience pa siguro, more games to come, more challenges to come and grow.”
At just 20 years old, Nitura already recognizes that every challenge and setback is a stepping stone toward her goals in her young volleyball career.
As the Lady Falcons push for a return to the Final Four for the first time since Season 85 in 2023, the rookie team captain emphasized the importance of maintaining their hunger and drive through both wins and losses.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kailangan madaanan yung mga ganung bagay kasi hindi kami magle-learn if hindi namin madadaanan yung mga challenges na ganun, yung talo. If hindi namin makikilala si talo, paano namin makikilala si panalo,” the Season 86 girls’ volleyball champion explained.
“If we have to improve more, kunwari sa past game, hindi kami ganun kagutom, siguro i-aadjust namin. Pero hindi [lang] naman rason yun to be hungry. Manalo man, matalo, dapat hungry pa rin. Dapat consistent.”
For Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude — who has mentored Nitura since she joined Adamson in Season 85 — he understands the weight of expectations on her shoulders.
However, he believes that with her natural leadership and talent, the sky’s the limit for Adamson’s rising star.
“‘Yon talaga yung nakikita ko sa kanya na doon siya dominant kasi sa paglalaro naman, kahit saan naman siya ‘eh, kaya naman niya gawin. Basta ‘yon lang talaga na maging right leader and maging right example siya sa mga kasama niya in and out of the court and how she handles things,” Yude said.
“Also, lalo na yung pressure kasi there’s so many expectations but I always remind her to be herself. Laruin mo lang kung ano yung tina-training mo at laruin mo lang kung sino ka. ‘Yon lang yun, hindi mo kailangan mag-copy ng kahit sino, basta be yourself.”
