NorthPort refuses to fold, forces Game 5 with win over Ginebra
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Shaina Nitura registers record-breaking debut game vs Ateneo
Shaina Nitura unleashed a record game debut to lead Adamson to a thrilling reverse sweep over Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The homegrown Adamson product reset the UAAP scoring record for a rookie in her debut game as she unloaded 33 points anchored on 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also grabbing five digs and seven receptions.
Despite Nitura surpassing the record previously set by University of Santo Tomas’s Angge Poyos, who fired 31 markers last season, she downplayed the achievement.
PHOTO COURTESY: UAAP MEDIA
"Personally, I'm not looking forward for records," said the Season 86 girls’ volleyball Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP. "It's just a bonus, I am thankful, of course, praise the Lord, but the season is not over yet. We want more for the team, not individually, but for the team."
Nitura also matched the highest-scoring output by a Lady Falcon since Angela Benting’s 33-point outing in a four-set loss to UST on February 14, 2009.
The 20-year-old outside hitter established the tone early in the deciding fifth set by scoring Adamson’s first three points. The Lady Falcons then took a commanding 10-7 lead thanks to pivotal hits from Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi.
Ateneo refused to give up, closing to one point, 12-11, on a clutch off-the-block hit by Jihan Chuatico.
But Nitura countered with a back-row attack and an off-speed hit, and Mordi's key kill completed Adamson's thrilling comeback win.
Nitura was greatly assisted by Mordi, who posted 23 points off 16 attacks, five blocks, and two service aces behind Felicity Sagaysay’s 10 excellent sets and five markers.
Jen Villegas contributed eight points as she filled in for Mayang Nuique, who sustained an ankle injury early in the first game.
Meanwhile, AC Miner paced the Blue Eagles with 18 markers, while Yvana Sulit and Geezel Tsunashima scored 10 points apiece in the defeat.
The Adamson Lady Falcons will aim to capture their second win when they face the De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Saturday, February 22, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, while the Ateneo Blue Eagles will bounce back against the National University Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, February 19, at San Juan as well.
