SKIPPER Shaina Nitura dropped a rookie scoring record of 33 points as Adamson University outlasted Ateneo yesterday in an epic match 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 that lifted the curtains on the 87th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Dubbed a “super rookie,” Nitura wasted no time displaying her skills with 28 attack points, four blocks, a service ace, seven excellent receptions, and five digs to surpass the rookie scoring record set by UST’s Angge Poyos last year.
The open spiker out of Adamson High School, Nitura matched the 33-point performance of Lady Falcons legend Angela Benting in 2009.
Nigerian Frances Mordi also contributed to the offense of the San Marcelino-based crew with 23 points, 16 off attacks; five blocks and two service aces while middle blockers Jen Villegas and Eloisa Dote combined for 13 markers.
Although plagued by unforced errors and missing the services of Mayang Nuique, one of the few veterans of the team who sustained a right ankle sprain in the early first set, the Lady Falcons also did well on defense, coming up with 17 blocks in the nearly two-hour and a half match.
“Thank you, Lord, for the win, sa guidance ng Panginoon kahit may na-injury sa amin. We praise God for the win, sa pag-guide sa amin throughout,” said Adamson coach JP Yude, whose charges valiantly fought back from a 0-2 deficit.
“It was a little bit rough start for us, in the first and second sets, but we still got the win dahil na rin sa efforts ng mga bata,” Yude added.
The two teams figured in a neck-and-neck duel in the fifth set but the Lady Falcons, thanks to Nitura who scored on a drop, took an 11-9 lead and reached match point 14-11 on a back-row kill from their rookie skippers.
The Blue Eagles threatened at 14-12 but Mordi clinched the win for Adamson with a down-the-line attack.
Graduating player AC Miner paced the Blue Eagles with 18 points.
Adamson tries to prove its victory was no fluke when it battles D La Salle University this Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.
Ateneo tries to bounce back when it battles reigning champion National University on Wednesday also at The Arena.
