After hitting a rough patch despite two 30-point performances from rookie standout Shaina Nitura, Adamson University finally rediscovered its winning ways by stunning defending champion National University and Far Eastern University in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
At the heart of Nitura’s heroic 32-point outburst against the Lady Bulldogs and a 37-point explosion versus the Lady Tamaraws is none other than fellow rookie and long-time teammate, setter Fhei Sagaysay — a partnership that began all the way back in the UAAP Girls’ Volleyball division.
Nitura’s rise to prominence in the Season 87 women’s volleyball landscape actually began in Season 85 of the girls’ division. Interestingly, Sagaysay wasn’t even the starting setter for the Baby Falcons back then.
But it didn’t take long for the duo’s chemistry to flourish. In Season 86, they hit their stride — Nitura emerging as the tournament MVP and 1st Best Outside Hitter, while Sagaysay claimed the Best Setter award. Together, they powered the Baby Falcons to a dominant championship run and earned spots in the Mythical Team.
Their bond, however, wasn’t formed overnight. Like many connections built within the UAAP women’s volleyball scene, it had to endure trials and setbacks.
“Yung connection namin, hindi overnight nabuo. Maraming pinagdaanan na pagsubok at paghihirap — mula high school until college — para umabot sa ganito. Pero hindi pa kami magssettle, tuloy-tuloy lang dapat kasi rookie pa lang naman kami,” said Sagaysay, who recorded 15 excellent sets during Nitura’s record-breaking night.
Nitura made a thunderous entrance into the UAAP women’s division this season, resetting three records: most points scored in a rookie season, single-game scoring record, and most 30-point games in a single season.
But perhaps the most impressive milestone came on April 12, 2025, under the bright lights of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With Sagaysay’s steady playmaking, Nitura exploded for 37 points, surpassing the UAAP women’s single-season scoring record with 314 points.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Lahat ng nangyayari ngayon kay Shaina, hindi rin naging madali for her, at sa amin, especially from high school. Hindi lang sa inside the court na challenges, pero tinatake shoulder ko rin yung challenges na napagdaanan namin since high school para mas mabuo yung connection naming dalawa,” Sagaysay added.
Fully aware that Adamson’s hopes for a Final Four berth have slipped away, Nitura shared that she had a heartfelt conversation with Sagaysay the night before her historic performance.
With the Lady Falcons’ seniors — led by fourth-year outside hitter Mayang Nuique — down to their final three UAAP matches, Nitura reminded Sagaysay that as rookies, they needed to go the extra mile to honor their graduating teammates with a proper send-off.
True to form, Sagaysay stepped up — just as she always had. And together with Nitura, the pride of Cainta, Rizal, they once again led the Lady Falcons to a statement win.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kaya after ko sila kausapin, especially si Fhei, hindi na ako nagulat kung paano siya nag-respond sa challenge, at ito, nagbunga sa panalo,” said Nitura, who tallied her fifth 30-point game of the season with 37 points built on 31 attacks, five blocks, and one ace, along with 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
“Rinemind ko rin kasi siya kagabi na yung season na ito, it will never be the same, next season iba na kasi graduate na yung mga ates namin. Kailangan talaga i-nourish namin yung time na meron kami together.”
