By MARK REY MONTEJO
It looks like the Adamson University Lady Falcons have found their ‘next big thing’ who will help them soar to the greater heights.
The 20-year-old Shaina Nitura stole the show in the opening day of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball after a dazzling display that caught the fancy of everyone – the established stars included.
Sporting polycarbonate lenses, the high-leaping rookie was on target all game long to the cheers of Adamson supporters.
Sharp and quick, she finished a with record-shattering 33 points in leading the Lady Falcons to a 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 thriller against the Ateneo Lady Eagles last Sunday, Feb. 16, at Mall of Asia Arena.
A homegrown talent of the San Marcelino-based squad, Nitura’s 33 were built through 28 attacks, four blocks and one ace with seven excellent receptions and five digs— enough to eclipse the 31-point effort of UST star Angge Poyos last year.
But the outside hitter from Cainta, Rizal downplayed her feat, noting it was just a bonus and she is more focused on the whole team’s improvement.
“Personally, ‘di naman ako naglo-look forward ng ganun (record), bonus na po ‘yon kung sakaling magkaroon po,” said Nitura.
“Thankful po, personally, pero ‘di naman po tapos ‘yong season, we want for the team, not for individually, dahil nakatikim kami ng isang panalo, I think we’re gonna be hungrier,” she added.
Aside from bettering Poyos’ record, the 5-foot-9 outside hitter tied erstwhile Falcon Angela Benting’s 33 output in 2009.
“Isa lang din po ‘yong sasabihin ko. God is good all the time, if time Nya talaga, will Nya, it will happen whatever challenges,” said Nitura.
“Thank you din sa coaching staff kasi sila din nag-fuel din us, sa confidence namin,” she added. “Sobrang tapang nila pare-pareho, kasi kita nyo naman nasa lowest na kami kanina. We still stick in each other, and nagsandalan kami (para) makuha ‘yong momentum, which nakuha naman namin.”
Also starring in Adamson’s comeback win were rookies in Nigerian Frances Nordi, who chipped in 23 points on 16 attacks, five blocks and two aces, and setter Faye Sagaysay who had 10 excellent sets on top of five points.
“Ni-remind kolang ‘yong mga bata na trabuhin namin, ‘di pa nga tapos ‘yong laban so kunin namin ‘yong third and fouth sets, and we go in fifth set na kayang manalo,” said coach JP Yude. “It was a rough start for us, we still get the win dahil sa effort ng mga bata.”
Nitura was fresh from leading the Baby Falcons in the juniors division title, where she was also named as the Most Valuable Player, 1st Best Outside Hitter, and the Athlete of the Year.
