Adamson's Shaina Nitura in action against FEU in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 12, 2025 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Shaina Nitura made an emphatic return to action for Adamson University, powering the Lady Falcons to a five-set win against Far Eastern University in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Tuesday.
Fresh from her stint with Alas Pilipinas in the SEA V.League, Nitura starred in Adamson's 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11 win against the Lady Tamaraws at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year fired 28 points on 27 attacks and one block.
“Siguro ang naging problema talaga is 'yung passing namin. Kasi maganda naman nung first hanggang 15; though nalayuan na lang kami 'nung pagdating ng 17,” said head coach JP Yude. "Hindi kami maka-atake do'n sa third set na 'yon pero it was a good challenge rin for us.
"Nag-start kami na new and dito naman kami nag-ge-gain ng confidence, nagbu-boost ng morale nila, and dito talaga nate-test 'yung character nila."
Boosted by Nitura's presence, the Lady Falcons surged ahead early in the opening set but encountered resistance from the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the second.
Down 10-16, FEU's Jaz Ellarina and Faida Bakanke used their height advantage and timing to block several attacks—mostly from Nitura and Frances Mordi—and even took the lead at 18-17. However, errors late in the set made it difficult for FEU to maintain the lead, allowing Adamson to take a 2-0 set advantage.
The Lady Tamaraws channeled their failed comeback in the second set to fuel their run in the third set and eventually prevailed in a hard-fought fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, however, Nitura and Adamson refused to be denied. They found their rhythm, aided by the chemistry of several players who came up through the team's high school program.
Mordi remained solid for the Lady Falcons for the second straight game, finishing with 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace, while middle blockers Tuddao and MG Del Moral contributed eight points each.
Adamson (2-0) will face Benilde in an early clash of tournament leaders on Sunday at noon, again at the Paco Arena.
For FEU, Gerzel Petallo led the charge with 18 points, 17 of which came from attacks. Ellarina, making her preseason debut, finished with 16 points, including seven from blocks.
FEU (1-1) will aim to bounce back against Letran (0-1) earlier that day at 10 a.m.