Shaina Nitura delivered a sensational 33-point performance to propel Adamson University to a thrilling reverse sweep against Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nitura set the tone early in the decisive fifth set, scoring Adamson’s first three points. Then Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi stepped up with crucial hits to help the Lady Falcons build a comfortable 10-7 lead.
Ateneo refused to back down, inching within one, 12-11, after a clutch off-the-block hit from Jihan Chuatico.
However, Nitura responded with an off-speed hit and a back-row attack, followed by a decisive kill from Mordi, sealing Adamson’s dramatic comeback victory.
With her stellar performance, the 19-year-old outside hitter shattered the UAAP rookie scoring record with 33 points off 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace. She also tallied seven excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Nitura also surpassed Angge Poyos’ previous record of 31 points, who hit the mark thrice last season.
“Hindi po ako naglo-look forward for anything ng ganoon po. Bonus na lang po ‘yun. Pero siyempre, thankful po, praise the Lord,” said Nitura, who matched the highest-scoring output by a Lady Falcon since Angela Benting’s 33-point performance in a four-set loss to UST on February 14, 2009.
She went on, “Hindi pa po tapos ‘yung season. We want more for the team, not individually but for the team. Nakatikim kami ng isang panalo and we’re gonna be hungry for more.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo’s heartbreak was compounded by an unfortunate injury to third-year spiker Zel Tsunashima, who injured her left leg at the 9-11 mark of the fifth set and had to be stretchered off the court.
Adamson, reeling from back-to-back set losses, found its rhythm in the third frame, with Mordi sparking a dominant 25-12 victory.
Nitura then took over in the fourth set, helping the Lady Falcons establish a 19-12 lead before delivering the final blows to force a deciding fifth set.
However, Adamson’s victory came at a cost, as senior Mayang Nuique suffered a right ankle injury early in the match. Attempting a block at 8-8 in the first set, Nuique landed awkwardly on Lyann de Guzman’s foot.
Though she later returned to the Lady Falcons’ bench, the coaching staff opted to sideline her for the rest of the match as a precaution.
Adamson’s triumph was fueled by a stellar 17-block performance, compared to Ateneo’s five blocks.
“Niremind ko lang din ‘yung mga bata at coaches na kailangan naming trabahuhin kasi di pa tapos ‘yung laban. Basta kunin namin ‘yung third at fourth set, kaya pa naming manalo. It’s a rough start for us, but we still got the win dahil sa effort ng mga bata,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
Mordi provided ample support for Nitura, finishing with 23 points on 16 attacks, five blocks, and two aces, while Jen Villegas chipped in eight points.
Meanwhile, Season 86 Girls’ Volleyball Best Setter Faye Sagaysay impressed in her collegiate debut, tallying 10 excellent sets and five points.
Adamson will face a major test when it goes up against title contender De La Salle University on Saturday, February 22, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For Ateneo, the road ahead remains daunting as it takes on defending champion National University on Wednesday, February 19, at the same venue.
Senior blocker AC Miner led the Blue Eagles in the losing effort with 18 points off 16 attacks and two blocks, while Yvanna Sulit and Tsunashima added 10 points each.
