By: Christian David Ruiz
Adamson University’s standout rookie, Shaina Nitura, expressed her delight after making her collegiate debut in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
In her first game as a Lady Falcon, Nitura shared her excitement about being part of the team: “Masaya naman po, kasi ito po ‘yong nilalaman ng heart ko—to play with them and play with my coaches, my previous coach nung Baby Falcons pa po ako.”
Nitura’s stellar performance, tallying 17 points from 16 attacks and a block, led the Lady Falcons to a straight-sets victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-23, 25-11, 25-15.
However, despite her impressive outing, the 2024 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League MVP was not fully satisfied with her individual performance or the team’s overall showing.
“Kulang pa, pero, it’s great na we won even though kulang pa. May mas ibubuga pa po kami and alam namin na hindi pa po ‘yon ang best game namin,” Nitura said.
Nitura has a decorated history with Adamson, having led the Baby Lady Falcons to multiple championships in various tournaments.
In UAAP Season 86, she guided the Baby Lady Falcons to a historic season sweep, clinching their first-ever UAAP girls’ volleyball championship. She earned the First Best Outside Hitter, MVP, and Finals MVP honors.
In her final tournament with the Baby Lady Falcons last June, the 19-year-old outside hitter once again led Adamson to victory in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League, where she was named MVP.
Recognized for her exceptional talent and leadership skills, Nitura was quickly appointed as team captain of the Lady Falcons.
Adamson head coach John Philip Yude praised Nitura and fellow newcomer Fei Sagaysay for their immediate impact on the team.
“So, in addition of them [Nitura and Fei Sagaysay], malaking tulong talaga yung addition nilang dalawa, kumbaga mas lalo pang umangat yung team, especially sa leadership ni Shaina. So, kahit first year, pero ang leadership talaga, grabe yung leadership,” said the former Falcon.
As she enters the pre-season tournament, Nitura emphasized that her focus is not on immediate results but on the team’s development and preparation for the upcoming UAAP season.
“Siguro, I don’t want people to expect too much from me, kasi ang pinaka-pinaghahandaan naman po talaga natin is yung season, yung UAAP season. So, this Shakey’s is for me to build myself and to build my team,” Nitura explained.
