UP Fighting Maroons celebrate after hanging on to beat Shaina Nitura and Adamson in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–University of the Philippines snapped a four-game losing streak in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament after overcoming Shaina Nitura-led Adamson, 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10, on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UP spoiled the record-breaking performance of rookie Nitura, who erupted for 38 points. Nitura broke the previous mark of 35 points held by Alyssa Valdez in Season 75 and Sisi Rondina in Season 81.
“Given na yun. Si Nitura possible talaga can score that many points, even more pa depende sa laro pero with the UP team, tulong-tulong talaga kasi yun ang binabantayan natin sa kanila,” UP coach Benson Bocboc said.
READ: UAAP: NU overwhelms skidding UP in women’s volleyball
UP coach Benson Bocboc, Irah Jaboneta, Niña Ytang, and Joan Monares after surviving Adamson. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/NekK16sK6W
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 16, 2025
Irah Jaboneta waxed hot after scoring seven of her 19 points in the final frame, a performance highlighted also by 12 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
It was a total team effort for the Fighting Maroons who ended the first round with a 3-4 record as Niña Ytang added firepower with 20 points made up of 15 attacks, three blocks and a pair of aces.
Joan Monares contributed 15 points, all but one from kills, apart from 17 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions while rookie Kianne Olango also added 15 points thanks to Julia de Leon’s 16 excellent sets.
“Pag may nawawala dun sa plano eh binbalik lang natin sila kasi we need to work as a group talaga hindi pupwedeng isa-isa so siguro dun sa kabila alam naman natin [si Nitura] makakapatay kaya medyo naka-focus extra yung defense sa kanya pero lumulusot pa rin,” Bocboc said.
“Pero good for us may mga breaks na nananalo kami, naka-counter kami, nage-error sila so kaya nakuha natin yung panalo,” he added.
Jaboneta caught fire in the deciding set, scoring six straight points to give the Maroons a 9-7 edge.
READ: UAAP: Rookie Shaina Nitura says losses will make Adamson better
Adamson turned only to Nitura down the stretch but it was not enough as Monares, Ytang and Jaboneta took turns pouncing on the Lady Falcons’ defense.
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Barbie Jamili contributed 18 points in the losing stand as Adamson was struck by a fourth straight defeat to end the first round with a 2-5 standing. Felicity Sagaysay turned heads with 30 excellent sets.
Nitura also had 15 excellent receptions, Jamili 10 excellent digs while libero Juris Manuel caught 16 excellent digs and 28 excellent receptions.
