When we talk about breakout seasons, few can compare to the storm that is Shai Nitura. The Adamson Lady Falcon rookie isn’t just making waves—she’s rewriting history books. In a season where her team was already counted out of the Final Four race, Nitura didn’t just show up—she showed out.
A Rookie Like No Other
UAAP women’s volleyball has seen some of the most electrifying athletes in Philippine sports, but what Shai Nitura is doing this year is nothing short of phenomenal. Remember the record Alyssa Valdez set in UAAP Season 77 with 312 points? A benchmark thought to stand the test of time? Well, Nitura just raised the bar—with two games to spare!
After dropping a jaw-dropping 37 points against the Final Four-chasing FEU Lady Tamaraws, Nitura now sits at a towering 314 points for the season. And did we mention this is just her rookie year?
Turning the Tables Against FEU
Saturday’s showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was more than just another game. Adamson, already out of Final Four contention, came in with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
After dropping the first set 14-25, Adamson bounced back harder than ever. With grit and determination, they clutched close sets in the next three:
- 📈 29-27
- 📈 25-22
- 📈 25-22
Momentum, precision, and a whole lot of Nitura magic turned what looked like a lost cause into one of the most exciting upsets of the season.
The Record-Breaking Hit: A Moment to Remember
Let’s talk about the moment that made history. At 24-21 in the fourth set—Adamson with match point—Nitura fired an off-the-block attack that found the corner. That hit sealed the win and simultaneously broke the all-time season scoring record previously held by Alyssa Valdez.
Talk about dramatic flair. 🎯
“We Fought Even Without a Final Four Hope”
Despite their exclusion from the postseason picture earlier in the day—thanks to UST’s sweep of UE—Adamson showed they weren’t about to bow out quietly. And according to Nitura, the team’s belief never wavered:
“First of all, thank you Lord. All the patience and hard work from the first round are paying off. I saw how badly my teammates wanted to win even if we were already out of the Final Four. At least now, we know what we’re capable of.”
That’s heart. That’s passion. That’s Adamson.
More Than Just One Record
Shai Nitura isn’t a “one-and-done” story. Her historic season includes:
✨ Most points in a single game — 38
✨ Most 30-point games in a single UAAP season
✨ Most points in a season by a rookie
✨ All-time UAAP season scoring record — 314 (and counting!)
And with two games left to play in Season 87, there’s no telling what other milestones she’ll smash.
Current Standings Update: Adamson Rising
Although no longer in Final Four contention, Adamson’s improved record of 5-7 places them sixth out of eight teams—above expectations and with momentum swinging their way. Meanwhile, the loss drops FEU to 8-5, a hair behind third-placed UST in the playoff hunt.
Final Thoughts: Shai Nitura, the Name of the Season
While titles and trophies are the ultimate goal, legacy is built on moments—moments like the one Shai Nitura etched into UAAP history. Beyond the numbers, she’s shown resilience, consistency, and a fiery passion that lit up an otherwise dim season for Adamson.
As we gear up for the final stretch of Season 87, all eyes will remain locked on this super rookie. Whether Adamson wins or loses the remaining games, one thing’s for certain:
The future of UAAP women’s volleyball is looking very Nitura-bright 🌟.
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