Reeling from her team’s stunning loss to Adamson University, Far Eastern University head coach Tina Salak did not hold back when praising the architect of the Lady Tamaraws’ downfall on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum — Lady Falcons outside hitter Shaina Nitura.
Nitura lit up the court with 37 points built on 31 attacks, five blocks, and an ace, powering Adamson to a crucial victory. It marked her third consecutive 30-point performance, and in doing so, she brought her total to 314 points in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Her explosive performance also helped break the legendary Alyssa Valdez’s Season 77 record of 312 points, with two games remaining in the eliminations.
Salak, a volleyball icon in her own right, was full of admiration for the 20-year-old standout from Cainta, Rizal, even backing the young rookie’s case for a future stint with the national team.
“Sobrang promising nung bata for a rookie,” said the former De La Salle Zobel coach. “For us, hindi namin siya na-stop. Problem namin is yung blocking namin — blocking and defense. I’m very happy din na nagkakaroon tayo ng ganyang chance na makakita ng talent in a young age na nag-e-excel sa local tournaments.
“For sure, isa siya sa mga list for national team. We wish her all the best — yun ang pinakamaganda dun. Maganda din kasi ma-experience nung bata (dahil) being in the national team, pride yun as an athlete.”
A veteran of both playing and coaching at the highest level, Salak has seen her fair share of volleyball stars through the years.
But when asked to compare Nitura to past greats, the 2005 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist admitted it was a tough ask.
(C) PVL Images
“Tough question yan ah! Siguro compare ko na lang sarili ko as a spiker,” she said with a laugh.
“For her generation, kakaiba siya. Pero yung siguro sa generation namin, ang dami.
“Marami kung maaalala lang natin like sa UST, there was Roxanne Pimentel, pero hindi nga lang siya open spiker. Sa part ng Adamson, nandiyan si Cherry Macatangay tsaka si Love Agno. Sa FEU, meron din tayo niyan, nandiyan si Angie Rubillas,” she continued.
“Marami pero generation by generation, nag-iiba talaga yung nag-e-excel. This time si Nitura. Marami pa siyang ma-i-influence. Marami pa siyang ma-i-inspire sa ginagawa niya ngayon sa volleyball industry.”
With one game left in their elimination round schedule, FEU is still in strong contention for a Final Four berth, barring any major setbacks. The Lady Tamaraws will wrap up their campaign against the De La Salle Lady Spikers on April 26 — a match that could serve as a crucial test of character ahead of the semifinals.
Given FEU’s history of struggling against La Salle, the Lady Tamaraws could potentially enter the Final Four riding a two-game skid.
Still, Salak believes this upcoming game offers an important opportunity to reset mentally and rediscover the team’s “Be Brave” identity — one that she hopes will carry them through the high-stakes battles ahead.
“Mas maganda na sa akin na La Salle yung last game,” Salak said.
“Test of character namin ito going to the semis. Masarap baonin yun knowing nandiyan yung pagod, nandiyan yung hirap, but yung lesson sa game—yun yung magdadala sa amin sa Final Four.”
#WATCH: Tina Salak reflects on who she can compare Shaina Nitura’s game with from her generation 🏐
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/riBWHxE9Mt
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 12, 2025
