Shaina Nitura refused to let history go to waste.
The rookie phenom from Adamson University shattered the UAAP women’s volleyball single-season scoring record with a jaw-dropping 37-point explosion—and made sure it counted—by leading the Lady Falcons to a statement four-set win over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 14-25, 29-27, 25-22, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Saturday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With her 37-point eruption built on 31 attacks, five blocks, and one ace with 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, Nitura not only set a new benchmark for scoring in a single season but also made sure it contributed to her team’s momentum.
Her performance eclipsed the previous record of 312 points set by Alyssa Valdez in Season 77 back in 2015, as she now sits at 314 points with two elimination games still to go.
It was also her third consecutive 30-point outing, following a 36-point effort in a five-set loss to University of Santo Tomas and a 32-point explosion in Adamson’s shocking upset of NU.
Nitura now has a record-extending five 30-point games this season with two matches remaining.
Despite their Final Four hopes officially ending earlier in the day, following UST’s win over UE, the Lady Falcons refused to back down. Nitura’s relentless drive powered Adamson to its second consecutive victory, improving their record to 5-7.
“If I would reflect sa napagdaanan ng team, I’m very happy at very thankful kasi sobrang laking tulong nito for our upcoming seasons. Grateful ako na kahit hindi kami makakapasok ng Final Four, pero yung learnings na makukuha namin, sobrang laking foundation nito for us. Very grateful pero hindi pa tapos,” Nitura said, who added to her long list of UAAP historic accolades after tallying the most 30-point games in a single UAAP women’s volleyball season, rookie scoring record, the UAAP single-season scoring record, and the UAAP single-game scoring record.
(“If I would reflect on what the team has gone through, I’m very happy and very thankful because this has been a huge help for our upcoming seasons. I’m grateful that even if we didn’t make it to the Final Four, the learnings we gained will be a strong foundation for us. Very grateful, but it’s not over yet.”)
Knotted at 19-all in the fourth set, the Lady Falcons uncorked a crucial 3-1 surge — fueled by a Gerzel Petallo service error, a Mayang Nuique block, and an off-the-block hit from Nitura — to build a 22-20 cushion. At this point, the pride of Cainta, Rizal was one point away from tying Valdez’s single-season scoring record.
Eager to make the most out of a historic outing, Nitura showed out in the clutch — converting the last three Adamson points needed with a block on Congolese wing spiker Faida Bakanke and two consecutive crosscourt attacks — to officially reset the record and clinch the Lady Falcons’ fifth win in 12 outings.
“I am very blessed na may mga players, especially si Shaina na binigay sa akin ng Panginoon to handle and to guide. I am very grateful, honored, and blessed to have Shaina and sa mga kasama niya also kasi wala namang Shaina kung wala naman mga kasama niya,” Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude said.
(“I am very blessed to have players, especially Shaina, whom the Lord has entrusted to me to guide and mentor. I am very grateful, honored, and blessed to have Shaina and her teammates as well, because there would be no Shaina without the team behind her.”)
Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi provided 11 points on nine attacks with 23 excellent receptions, while Nuique also added 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks with eight excellent digs.
Rookie setter Fhei Sagaysay dished out 15 excellent sets, while Juris Manuel provided 10 excellent receptions.
After the eight-day Holy Week break, Adamson will return to action against De La Salle University on Wednesday, April 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
More importantly, Nitura’s heroics spoiled FEU’s first crack at securing a Final Four spot. The loss dropped the Lady Tamaraws to solo fourth place with an 8-5 win-loss slate.
FEU’s postseason hopes now hang in the balance with two possible scenarios: If the University of the Philippines loses to De La Salle University tomorrow, the Final Four cast will be complete—composed of NU, La Salle, UST, and FEU.
However, if the Fighting Maroons pull off an upset against the Lady Spikers, the Lady Tamaraws will need to win their final elimination match against La Salle on Saturday, April 26, at the same Cubao venue to book their ticket to the semifinals.
Petallo paced FEU in the loss with 18 points on 15 attacks with 14 excellent receptions and 11 digs, while Chenie Tagaod tallied 12 points on 11 attacks with seven excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
