Shaina Nitura with Leila Cruz and Maddie Madayag at Alas Pilipinas training camp. Photo credit: @AlasPilipinasVB/X
MANILA – Alas Pilipinas co-captain Dawn Catindig was impressed with what she had seen with young gun Shaina Nitura of Adamson University.
Nitura has been training with the national team in anticipation of a possible call-up for two upcoming tournaments in Vietnam.
Alas will be competing in the Hanoi-hosted 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup from June 7 to 14 and VTV Cup in Vinh Phuc province from June 28 to July 5.
"Grabe, nagulat ako kay Shaina [Nitura] nu’ng first time namin siyang makasama sa training," Catindig expressed, amazed with Nitura's performance during the PVL Press Corps Awards Night on Wednesday at Novotel Manila in Quezon City.
"Sabi ko, ang lakas ng palo niya tapos ang taas tumalon. Buti na lang hindi ko na ‘to naabutan sa UAAP kundi mahihirapan talaga ako," she added in jest.
READ: Shaina Nitura vows to work hard to be 'qualified' for Alas Pilipinas
Catindig said the current composition of Alas is "promising," adding that their chemistry is being solidified as time passes by.
"Very promising 'yung team ngayon and very happy kami kasi marami na 'yung nagko-compose sa team namin. Very exciting lagi kasi ang daming mga bagong additions and parang nabi-build nang nabi-build 'yung chemistry namin," Catindig said.
READ: Nitura resets UAAP single-season scoring record as Adamson dumps FEU
The De La Salle University alum was also happy to see the consistent number of Lady Spikers joining the national team.
Among those who are also practicing with the national team are AVC Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Leila Cruz, Justine Jazareno, Mars Alba, Julia Coronel, and Fifi Sharma.
"Siyempre, na-happy ako kasi alam ko 'yung pinagdaanan din nila. Lahat ng natutunan ko from La Salle, nabaon ko siya wherever I go," Catindig said.
For Catindig, it is "proof" that coach Ramil de Jesus creates a different caliber of players.
"For them na nasa national team na rin, it just proves 'yung sistema ni Coach Ramil na talagang produces great players," she said.
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