MANILA, Philippines – Shaina Nitura’s UAAP debut is one for the books.
The Adamson Lady Falcons’ rookie sensation reset the UAAP records after dropping 33 points in her first collegiate game, a 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 comeback win against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, February 16.
Nitura, the UAAP Season 86 girls’ volleyball Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP, had 28 attacks, 4 blocks, and 1 ace to tally the highest scoring output by a rookie, a mark previously set by UST star Angge Poyos when she fired 31 points last season.
She also matched Angela Benting for most points in a game by an Adamson player.
After a slow start, Nitura slowly found her groove and took over the fifth set, where she scored 8 points in the race-to-15 finish.
“I tried to relax myself during the first set and in the second set, reminded myself to be composed, since I wasn’t feeling that calm,” Nitura said after the game.
“After recalibrating, I also told my teammates to wake up, and fortunately it worked,” the team captain added.
Fellow rookie Frances Mordi, a Nigerian who is eligible to play the whole five years, supplied 23 points for Adamson.
For the Blue Eagles, AC Miner recorded a team-high 18 markers, while Zel Tsunashima and Yvana Sulit added 10 apiece.
Ateneo suffered a huge loss in the fifth set when Tsunashima suffered what looked like a gruesome left leg injury, which could keep her out for an extended period.
Tsunashima awkwardly landed and let out a piercing cry, prompting immediate medical attention. Personnel held up her leg, as she was lifted outside the court.
Adamson’s Mayang Nuique also sustained an ankle injury but was able to return later in the game.
“Hopefully, she can return sooner than later and recover for Saturday’s game [against La Salle],” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude. – Rappler.com