University of the Philippines (UP) overcame Shaina Nitura’s record-setting performance to edge Adamson University, 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10, and close the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball first round on a high note at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Despite Nitura’s historic 38-point explosion, it was Irah Jaboneta who delivered the final blow in the decisive fifth set.
The third-year spiker out of De La Salle-Zobel stepped up in crunch time, scoring seven of her 19 points in the final frame.
Her decisive push shot pierced through the blockers, sealing UP’s hard-fought victory after two hours and 25 minutes.
“Siguro given na ‘yun si Nitura, possible talaga can score that many points, even more pa depende sa close ng laro. Pero with UP, tulong-tulong talaga kasi ‘yun ‘yung binabantayan namin sa kanila, kapag may nawawala doon sa plano, binabalik lang namin sila kasi we need to work as a group talaga,” said UP head coach Benson Bocboc.
UP’s gritty win denied Nitura a triumphant ending despite her record-breaking effort.
The Fighting Maroons are just a game behind fourth-running Far Eastern University (4-3) in the race for the last Final Four spot. It was UP’s first win since stunning the Lady Tamaraws on Feb. 19.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nadala lang din ako as a senior sa loob ng court, hindi puwedeng tahimik ako. Bigla rin akong nabuhayan na kailangan makita nila akong lumalaban para alam na lalaban din sila, sabay kami lalaban para sa team,” said Jaboneta, who capped her stellar outing with 12 excellent digs and 11 receptions.
Middle blocker Niña Ytang made a strong return after missing UP’s last two games due to an abdominal strain, leading the team with 20 points built on 15-of-25 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Joan Monares contributed 15 points, 17 digs, and 14 receptions, while Kianne Olango also fired 15 points in the win.
Nitura’s 38-point eruption came from 35 spikes and three aces, surpassing the previous 35-point records held by former Ateneo standout Alyssa Valdez and UST star Sisi Rondina.
Coincidentally, both Valdez (Season 75, 2013) and Rondina (Season 81, 2019) suffered defeats in their record-breaking performances.
Valdez’s Ateneo fell to Adamson on January 20, 2013, 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-16, 10-15. Meanwhile, Rondina’s UST bowed to Ateneo on March 20, 2019, 25-19, 25-22, 25-27, 22-25, 11-15.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Seldom-used Barbie Jamili made a strong impact for Adamson with 18 points and 10 digs, while rookie setter Fhei Sagaysay dished out 30 excellent sets.
Second-year libero Juris Manuel also impressed with 28-of-42 excellent receptions and 16 digs.
With the loss, the Lady Falcons slid to joint sixth with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, both holding 2-5 records.
