Shaina Nitura’s meteoric rise in UAAP volleyball has now placed her on the national radar.
The Adamson University rookie sensation, who has already shattered records in her debut season, was part of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s (PNVF) 33-player wishlist for the Alas Pilipinas Women’s Tryouts — bringing her one step closer to representing the country on the international stage.
Nitura is currently the third-ranked student-athlete in the statistical points race after the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournamen.
She joins 32 other players in the tryouts.
The list features a mix of current Alas Pilipinas members, overseas imports, PVL stars, UAAP standouts, and Fil-foreign players from the United States.
These athletes will compete for spots on the final roster, which will represent the country in three major international tournaments this year.
“Grateful kasi isa rin sa dreams ko ‘yon na ma-represent yung bansa natin. Pero siyempre tryout pa lang ‘yon so hindi ko pa talaga sure. Kung will talaga ni Lord na maglaro for national team, then why not, diba?” Nitura told reporters after the Lady Falcons’ straight-sets loss to the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Nitura caught the attention of Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Brito with her stellar rookie campaign for Adamson.
She set the record for the most points scored by a rookie in her UAAP debut with 33 points, then later reset the UAAP women’s volleyball scoring record with a 38-point performance nearly two weeks ago.
Despite this individual recognition, Nitura remains focused on her current priority — helping Adamson secure a spot in the Final Four.
Following their loss to the Blue Eagles, the Lady Falcons dropped to solo seventh place in the eight-team tournament with a 3-6 win-loss record.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nakaka-boost din siya ng confidence at ng morale at mas nagiging motivated ako galingan pa lalo kasi nakikita nila yung potential ko as a player,” shared the Cainta, Rizal native.
Alongside UAAP standouts, the 33-player wishlist includes several notable PVL stars such as Brooke Van Sickle (Petro Gazz), Savannah Davison (PLDT), Tots Carlos (Creamline), Mars Alba (Choco Mucho), Justine Jazareno (Akari), Eli Soyud (Akari), Chai Troncoso (ZUS Coffee), Jeannette Panaga (Creamline), and MJ Phillips (Petro Gazz).
Nitura is eager to learn from these experienced players, particularly in handling pressure and developing maturity on the court.
“Sa lessons, eager ako matuto kung paano sila maging kalmado sa loob ng court and kung paano nila hinahandle yung mga challenges sa loob ng court ng much better compared to how I handle things,” she added.
She is also looking forward to teaming up with fellow UAAP competitors, including Far Eastern University middle blocker Clarisse Loresco, National University duo Lams Lamina and Vange Alinsug, and De La Salle University’s Amie Provido, Shevanna Laput, and Alleiah Malaluan.
“Mga veterans na rin talaga sila eh, matagal na sila naglalaro sa UAAP. I think marami talaga ako matututunan at marami rin talaga sila sa akin maipapayo when it comes to playing. So I am looking forward to playing with them kung sakali.”
Alas Pilipinas is set to compete in three major tournaments this year: the 6th AVC Challenge Cup for Women from June 8 to 15, the 5th Southeast Asian V. League (Week 1 from July 25 to 27 and Week 2 from August 1 to 3), and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from December 7 to 19.
#WATCH: ANOTHER BLESSING 🙌
Shaina Nitura is honored to be part of the PNVF’s wishlist for this year’s Alas Pilipinas Women 🇵🇭
She’s using this as fuel to push harder for Adamson’s #UAAPSeason87 campaign 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/DoCpIpmzZv
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 29, 2025
