Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura and National University’s Bella Belen in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball clash. Photo from UAAP Media/Neo Garcia.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Shaina Nitura tallied her fourth 30-point game of her rookie year to will Adamson University to a crucial win over National University.
The Lady Falcons leaned on their super rookie to stun the defending champions, 25-23, 15-25, 28-26, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, Sunday evening at the Araneta Coliseum.
Nitura — who became the first UAAP player in their division to score 30 or more points four times in a single season — fired 32 points (30 attacks, two blocks), 10 digs, and six receptions in the victory.
"Pampa-boost ‘to ng confidence ng team namin," said Nitura who deflected her personal feat anew. "Mas naniniwala na kami na hindi namin dapat maliitin yung mga sarili namin."
"Nung mga past games, medyo pababa na yung kumpyansa namin. Pero sabi ni Lord, tiwala lang, magpursige lang," she added.
This victory not only allowed the San Marcelino-based hitters to improve to 4-7, but it also kept their Final 4 hopes alive.
Frances Mordi and Mayang Nique also stood out for Adamson, pouring in eight points, 12 receptions, seven digs, and eight markers and three digs, respectively.
This was the first victory of Adamson U over National U since March 23, 2019, in Season 81.
Knotted at 20 in the fourth, Jen Villegas gave AdU the lead with a hit, and Eloi Dote followed it up with a block on Bella Belen for a two-point advantage.
Mordi made it three straight points for them in their next possession, and while Belen was able to keep NU alive, 24-22, later on, the former sealed the victory for AdU with her kill that went through the Lady Bulldogs' blockers.
On the other hand, the Lady Bulldogs, who competed sans Alyssa Solomon as she was dealing with a left ankle sprain that she sustained in training, absorbed just their second loss in 11 assignments.
Belen scored 19 points on 17 attacks and two aces, and she complemented these with 21 receptions and nine digs.
Still, due to the result of the game between Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines earlier, the Lady Bulldogs are now assured of a spot in the playoffs.
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Aside from the two-time MVP, Vange Alinsug stepped up with 16 points, nine receptions, and five digs, Chammy Maaya followed with 12 markers, while Erin Pangilinan and Arah Panique both had 10 points.
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