The Adamson Lady Falcons in their impressive reverse sweep of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Shaina Nitura towed Adamson University to an impressive debut in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.
The prized rookie of the Lady Falcons was vital in their reverse sweep of Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, during their Sunday afternoon matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
She posted 33 points — the most scored by a rookie in a single UAAP game — which was built on 28 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, but the 20-year-old, Cainta native downplayed this feat.
"Personally po, hindi naman po ako naglo-look forward for records," said the Season 86 high school league and Finals MVP. "Bonus nalang po yun Thankful po, syempre, praise the Lord, pero hindi pa naman po tapos yung season. We want more for the team, not individually, but for the team."
"Dahil nakatikim kami ng isang panalo, I think we're gonna be hungry for more," added Nitura, who also had seven receptions and five digs in her UAAP debut.
Nitura and the Lady Falcons were down by two sets as Ateneo was attempting to complete a sweep, but Adamson opened the third with an 8-3 start, and this momentum eventually allowed the San Marcelino-based spikers to win the next three.
For Adamson head coach JP Yude, the mental strength of his squad was vital in their come-from-behind win.
"Ni-remind ko lang yung mga bata at coaches na kailangan naming trabahuhin kasi di pa tapos yung laban," said Yude. "Basta kunin namin yung 3rd at 4th set, kaya pang manalo. It was a rough start for us, but we still got the win, dahil sa effort ng mga bata."
Also standing out for the Lady Falcons was Frances Mordi's 23-point outing, as well as Felicity Sagaysay's 10 excellent sets and five markers.
On the other hand, AC Miner led the Blue Eagles with 18 points, while Yvana Sulit and Geezel Tsunashima scored 10 markers each.
Unfortunately for Ateneo, adding to their woes was the gruesome leg injury of Tsunashima. She needed to be stretchered off the floor to exit the contest when they were trailing in the fifth set, 11-9.
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