MANILA, Philippines — Adamson’s prized rookie Shaina Nitura is eager to showcase her talent as the young leader of her rebuilding team in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Nitura has a chip on her shoulder as last year’s girl’s division Season and Finals MVP ushers in a rookie-laden squad.

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But the 20-year-old spiker refused to be overwhelmed by the expectations, aiming to just play her game and relish her time in the collegiate ranks.

READ: UAAP Season 87 volleyball storylines and games to watch out for

“Hindi ko naman masyado iniisip na pressure siya kasi ang kailangan ko lang gawin talaga is i-showcase kung ano yung kaya ko [gawin] talaga at kung ano yung tinatraining ko sa araw-araw,” Nitura told reporters.

“Instead of thinking na mappressure ako at may expectations yung mga tao sa akin, hindi ko na siya masyado iniisip… Hindi ko naman iniisip na may kailangan ako higitan kasi ang kailangan ko higitan yung nagawa ko noong high school,” she added.

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Adamson, which finished at 3-11 last Season 86, lost its core with Lucille Almonte, Ishie Lalongisip, Karen Verdeflor, AA Adolfo, Angge Alcantara, and Shar Ancheta already thriving in the PVL.

Nitura will be a rookie captain for the Lady Falcons composed of Felicity Sagaysay, Athea Aposaga, Trixie Demontaño, Kamille Dionisio, and Frances Mordi as well as holdovers Barbie Jamili, Red Bascon, and May Ann Nuique under her high school coach JP Yude.

READ: UAAP: Amid expectations, Shaina Nitura focused on getting better

“Feeling ko ‘yan yung pinakanakatulong kasi magkakasama na kami nila coach JP mula una pa lang nung Season 85 so yung usual na ginagawa namin, gusto namin i-akyat sa college,” she said. “May adjustment, yes, pero yung program and kung gaano namin kakilala si coach and gaano kami kakilala ni coach, hindi na kami naninibago sa isa’t isa.“

It won’t be easy translating her success from high school to college but Nitura is determined to lead the Lady Falcons, who open their quest against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Yung hunger na meron ako is kailangan ko doblehin kung gusto ko talaga maiakyat yung nagawa ko sa high school to college, Nitura said. “Collegiate is very different, ibang level ito. Lahat ng pinakamagaling nandito, kailangan doble or triple pa talaga yung effort.”