Nitura historic debut leads Lady Falcons to reverse sweep of Ateneo
Date Posted: February 17, 2025 at 12:03 PM
A spectacular debut from Shaina Nitura towed the Lady Falcons to a reverse sweep victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, on opening day of the UAAP 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, February 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nitura tallied a new rookie scoring record with 33 points, built on 28 attacks, four blocks and an ace, surpassing Angge Poyos’ previous record of 31 points, set during UST’s win over FEU on April 3, 2024. She also contributed seven excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
In addition, the UAAP 86 Girls’ Volleyball MVP tied Angela Benting for a Lady Falcons’ single-game scoring record.
Photo: UAAP Media Team
Nitura set the tone early in the decisive fifth set, scoring Adamson’s first three points before her fellow rookie, Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi, took charge with crucial hits, helping the Lady Falcons build a commanding 10-7 lead.
Ateneo fought back, closing the gap to just one, 12-11, after a clutch off-the-block hit from Jihan Chuatico. However, Nitura responded with an off-speed hit and a back-row attack, followed by a powerful kill from Mordi, securing Adamson’s dramatic comeback victory.
Nitura admitted that she had not expected to break any records and saw it as a bonus, simply expressing gratitude for the win and emphasizing that it was the win and the team’s overall success that mattered more.
After dropping the first two sets, Adamson found its rhythm in the third frame, dominating with a 25-12 win sparked by Mordi’s aggressive play.
Nitura then took control in the fourth set, leading the Lady Falcons to a 19-12 advantage before sealing the frame to force a deciding fifth set.
The victory, though, had a minor setback as senior opposite spiker Mayang Nuique suffered a right ankle injury after an awkward landing on a Blue Eagle’s foot while attempting a block early she later returned to the Lady Falcons’ bench, the coaching staff opted to rest her for the remainder of the match as a precaution.
Adamson served a block party, posting 17 blocks against Ateneo’s five, with Mordi being responsible for five rejections to go along with 16 attacks and two aces for 23 points.
Season 86 Girls’ Volleyball Best Setter Faye Sagaysay, meanwhile, impressed in her collegiate debut, registering 10 excellent sets and five points, orchestrating Adamson’s offense.
The Lady Falcons will face a major challenge in their next match as they face perennial powerhouse De La Salle University on February 22, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
