Already so accomplished, Nitura still chasing a favorite UAAP moment

Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura, right, reacts during a game against UP in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Nitura set a UAAP women’s volleyball record by scoring 38 points in the loss.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Adamson’s rookie star Shaina Nitura has broken scoring records just after seven games in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

She’s caught the attention of the game’s biggest stars, too—in and out of the UAAP.

And for someone who owns the highest points total by a rookie in her debut and also reset the all-time scoring mark with a 38-point performance, Nitura should have a lot of favorite moments in her young career so far.

Or so you’d think.

“As of now, I don’t have [a favorite moment in the UAAP] because the season isn’t over yet. I am still hoping that something better happens,” the 20-year-old spiker told reporters who tailed her after the game.

Nitura poured in 18 points in a quick 25-20, 25-11, 25-21 victory over University of the East on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena to help the Lady Falcons snap a four-game skid.

‘Stepping stone’

But looking at Adamson’s 3-8 (win-loss) card, and adding to that the fact that her scoring milestone came in a marathon loss to University of the Philippines, Nitura has a point.

“I am sad [that my efforts are not translating to wins] but there’s no frustration because I know … everything happens for a reason,” she said.

Even after the game that put them back on track, Nitura, who gained praises from the players she eclipsed such as stars Alyssa Valdez and Sisi Rondina, was far from feeling satisfied with how her crew performed against the winless Lady Warriors.

“It’s a stepping stone for us to elevate our game [but] it’s not the best game we had, so we’re still looking for our rhythm together and to be able to play together at a high level,” she said.

“Of course I am sad not getting the win [versus the Fighting Maroons] but again, there’s a reason why we didn’t get it so if we want to enter the Final Four, we need to strive harder than [we did in] the first round,” she added.

With all the flowers laid at her feet, Nitura hasn’t picked any of them yet. For the young star, her goal remains the same as the whole team’s.

“Grateful because the veterans [and] superstars of Philippine volleyball acknowledge my hard work, but we will still go back to the point that we want to win. We want to achieve wins instead of records,” she said.

“There’s no pressure and I don’t think about it too much because the more you think about it, you will just feel more pressured. If the Lord allows [me to break more records], He will. If not, it’s fine because the team’s goal is really to win,” she added.

“I don’t have to rely on anyone’s expectations unless it’s my coaches and my team but anything else beyond that, I don’t give it any more thought.”