Shaina Nitura shatters UAAP scoring record in Adamson debut
Shaina Nitura made a statement in her debut game as an Adamson Lady Falcon in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, dropping 33 points in their reverse sweep of Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, on Sunday, February 16 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nitura is clearly one of the front-runners for individual honors at this early stage of her career after leading the Lady Falcons out of a 0–2 deficit on their way to a reverse sweep of the Blue Eagles.
The homegrown Adamson product reset the UAAP records after putting up the highest scoring output in her first collegiate game. She had 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also grabbing five digs and seven receptions.
Nitura surpassed the 31 markers tallied by University of Santo Tomas’s Angge Poyos last season, while also matching the highest-scoring output by a Lady Falcon since Angela Benting’s 33-point outing in a four-set loss to UST on February 14, 2009.
The prized rookie, however, dismissed the attention and stated that she was more motivated to accomplish goals as a group than as an individual.
"Personally, I'm not looking forward for records," said the Season 86 girls’ volleyball Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP. "It's just a bonus, I am thankful, of course, praise the Lord, but the season is not over yet.”
Notwithstanding this individual triumph, Nitura minimized it in favor of the team's accomplishment. She expressed her main goal was to elevate Adamson into contender status, just as she helped her high school team win a championship.
“We want more for the team, not just individually,” the 20-year-old outside hitter stated. “After tasting victory, we’re hungry for more.”
Nitura credits her coaches and support system for preparing her.
“I’m encouraging my teammates to step up, too. If I step up and they step up, it will be harder for us to lose.” She’s aware of the bigger responsibility that comes with her talent but feels ready for the challenge. “It’s not new to me. With talent comes greater responsibility, and I’m ready,” she concluded.
The Adamson Lady Falcons will aim to capture their second win when they face the De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Saturday, February 22, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
