Shaina Nitura, Adamson look ahead to next season with hope, promise after sweep of UP

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

A sweep to end the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament bodes well for the Adamson Lady Falcons, who are brimming with promise as Shaina Nitura wraps up a historic rookie year

MANILA, Philippines – The future is bright for the Adamson Lady Falcons with UAAP single-season scoring record holder Shaina Nitura in tow.

And a sweep to end the Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament bodes well for the Lady Falcons as they made quick work of the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-13, 25-21, 25-18, at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 27.

Nitura wrapped up a historic rookie year with 22 points built on 18 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 aces to help Adamson finish with a 6-8 record for fifth place – a marked improvement after landing at seventh last season with a 3-11 card. 

“This is not the last. This is the beginning for another season,” said Nitura in Filipino. 

Nitura put the Lady Falcons on her back all season long as she totaled 371 points in 14 games — a record in the UAAP seniors ranks for both men’s and women’s divisions.

The super rookie erased the women’s record of 312 points Ateneo great Alyssa Valdez set in Season 77 in 2015 with two games to spare then broke the seniors record of 344 points established by men’s standout Mark Gil Alfafara for UST in Season 76 in 2014 with a game left.

She also holds the women’s record for most 30-point games in a season with six, four of those coming against the Final Four-bound teams: NU, UST, La Salle, and FEU.

Against the Fighting Maroons, though, Nitura found no need for another 30-point explosion as she received ample help from her teammates. 

Graduating May Ann Nuique chipped in 13 points, while Frances Mordi contributed 11 points in the swift victory that took just 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish.

“I want to highlight the win because we really worked as a team,” said Nitura. “When one of us fell down, another one stepped up.” 

Adamson head coach JP Yude sees a lot of promise in the Lady Falcons, who aim to reach a level of competency that they will no longer be overlooked by opponents again. 

“Before, teams looked down on us. Now, they’re going to prepare for us. But we need to prove ourselves first and work hard,” said Yude. “I always remind them to stay humble all the time.” 

No player scored in double figures for UP, with Irah Jaboneta and Kassy Doering showing the way with 6 and 5 points, respectively.

The Fighting Maroons fell to 6-8, losing the tiebreaker with Adamson and settling for sixth place. – Rappler.com