Following a historic rookie campaign in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Adamson University standout Shaina Nitura is now setting her sights on earning a spot with the national team, Alas Pilipinas Women, which is slated to compete in three major international tournaments this year.
Nitura’s meteoric rise in the UAAP saw her shatter numerous records: the single-season scoring record, rookie scoring record, single-game scoring record, most 30-point games in a single season, and the all-time UAAP volleyball scoring record.
These feats quickly placed her on the radar of Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge de Brito.
Among her achievements, the most remarkable came when she closed out Season 87 with a staggering 371 points — breaking the all-time UAAP scoring record previously held by University of Santo Tomas star Mark Alfafara, who recorded 344 points back in Season 76 (2014).
While those numbers are dazzling for any player, let alone a rookie, the pride of Cainta, Rizal remains grounded and focused on the next challenge: breaking into the international stage.
“Maayos naman yung kalagayan ko doon. Wala pa ako plans actually kasi depende pa if ma-lineup or not,” said Nitura, who was seen training earlier this week with national team regulars such as Eya Laure, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Vanie Gandler, and Thea Gagate.
“Ang trinatrabaho ko talaga is mag-improve para maging qualified sa pag-lineup.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Fueling her drive is not only her record-breaking debut season, but also the distinction of being named the undisputed Rookie of the Year during the Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Awarding Ceremony held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
At just 20 years old, Nitura — who was also the Most Valuable Player in the UAAP Season 86 Girls’ Division — became the first Adamson player in the 2000s to win the coveted rookie award in the women’s division.
“Sa akin naman, dagdag kumpiyansa at confidence siya para sa upcoming season. Pero back to zero pa rin, kaya trabaho pa rin para both sa UAAP and sa upcoming potential experiences,” Nitura said.
Though her immediate focus is on securing a spot in the Alas Pilipinas roster for the upcoming 6th AVC Challenge Cup, 5th Southeast Asian V.League, and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Nitura remains committed to continuing Adamson’s resurgence in the UAAP.
Her arrival played a crucial role in helping the Lady Falcons finish fifth in Season 87 with a 6-8 record, tying with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
“Mapa-promise namin sa Adamson na iwo-work-on namin para maging mas better kami compared this season,” she vowed.
“‘Yon naman siguro ang goal ng lahat ng teams, na maging better than the previous season.”
