Shaina Nitura was ready when she heard her number called, and she vowed to bring the same energy as Alas Pilipinas Women push forward in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Making her SEA Games debut at just 21 years old, Nitura remained unfazed when she came off the bench late in the first set of the Philippines’ 11-25, 17-25, 16-25 loss to reigning champion Thailand on Thursday night.
The Adamson University rising star provided a spark in an otherwise forgettable opening frame. She hammered a floating ball before unleashing a cross-court hit for Alas Pilipinas’ ninth and 11th points — her only points of the match — giving the team enough momentum to make the next set more competitive.
“Very happy kasi nga po, SEA Games nga po, and as much as possible, kalmado lang kasi yun yung kailangan ko — maging composed para makatulong sa team,” Nitura said.
Although she admitted that her debut in the biennial meet was a bit overwhelming, the 5-foot-9 outside spiker said she was proud to represent her country and grateful for the chance to play against the region’s best.
She added that her confidence was strengthened by previous national team experience, having competed in the national team window, AVC Nations Cup, and Southeast Asian V.League, which helped her quickly adjust to the intensity of the SEA Games.
“Very happy and overwhelming. Pero at the same time naman po, nakasama ko na rin naman sila Ate nung unang leagues na sinalihan namin, so comfortable naman ako with them. Hindi naman ako nanibago,” Nitura explained.
With her SEA Games debut now behind her, the UAAP Rookie of the Year said the team must regroup and fix the lapses shown against Thailand as they prepare for their crucial match against Singapore tomorrow, with semifinal hopes on the line.
“Siguro, ano po, for me po, siguro more on communication pa po talaga, at talagang mag-stick doon sa pinag-usapan. So for sure, mag-re-regroup po kami para maayos yung mga naging problema kanina. Let’s see for tomorrow’s game po. For sure, babawi at babawi kami,” she said.
And just like in the opening game against Thailand, Nitura vowed to stay ready and give her all whenever called upon, embracing whatever role head coach Jorge Souza de Brito assigns her.
“Siguro, pag pinasok ako, I’m gonna give my all talaga para makatulong sa team, kung anong instructions yung ibibigay sa akin ng coaches at kung ano yung role na ibibigay sa akin.”
