Shaina Nitura makes UAAP history as Adamson’s first MVP while Josh Ybañez seals men’s three-peat MVP run 

Shaina Nitura did not just headline a breakthrough season for Adamson University—she rewrote the program’s history.

In a campaign defined by consistency and two-way dominance, Adamson’s outside hitter is set to become the Lady Falcons’ first-ever Most Valuable Player in UAAP Collegiate Women’s Volleyball history, capping a season where she led from the front and lifted Adamson back into the Final Four spot.

Nitura once again paced the league in scoring for the second straight year, finishing Season 88 with 284 points built on 248 attacks, 24 blocks, and 12 aces. 

Her production went beyond offense, as she emerged as one of the most complete players on the floor—ranking third in spiking efficiency at 38.15 percent, fourth in receptions at 44.48 percent, and eighth in digging with 2.11 digs per set.

That all-around impact translated into separation in the MVP race. Nitura finished with a league-best 98.511 statistical points (SP), comfortably ahead of teammate Frances Mordi, who ended with 82.766 SP. The margin highlighted not just volume, but control of the game on both ends of the court.

Her dominance also extends to the awards podium, where she is set to claim her first Best Outside Spiker recognition with 303 ranking points (RP), alongside De La Salle University’s Angel Canino, who earned the other slot with 272 RP. 

Adamson, meanwhile, continues its postseason push, waiting in the stepladder quarterfinals for the winner of the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University matchup which will be held on Saturday, April 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

While Nitura’s rise signals a new era for Adamson, the men’s side saw a familiar name return to the top.

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Take a look at the statistical leaders following the elimination round of the Women’s Volleyball Tournament in #UAAPSeason88

Don’t miss the battle for the fourth seed as the FEU Tamaraws take on the UST Golden Tigresses this Saturday, April 25, at 3 PM in the Smart Araneta… pic.twitter.com/G8zLs4CgWh

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 23, 2026

Take a look at the statistical leaders at the end of the elimination round of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament for #UAAPSeason88 🏐

Don’t miss the playoff for the second seed between the NU Bulldogs and the UST Golden Spikers on Saturday, April 25, 1 PM at the Smart Araneta… pic.twitter.com/vYH6DwGjaG

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 23, 2026

Josh Ybañez reclaimed his place as the UAAP’s most dominant force, capturing his third Most Valuable Player award in the Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament. 

The UST senior roared back in Season 88 to lead the league with 90.192 SP, becoming the first men’s volleyball player in UST history to complete a three-MVP haul.

Ybañez’s numbers reflected a player back at full command of the game. He ranked fourth in spiking efficiency at 45.19 percent, second in aces with 0.35 per set, and second in receptions at 65.68 percent, all while finishing as the league’s second-leading scorer with 278 points from 244 spikes, 16 blocks, and 18 aces.

He is also set to secure his third Best Outside Spiker award after finishing with 329 RP, reinforcing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor. 

National University’s Michaelo Buddin earned the other outside hitter spot with 269 RP after leading the league in aces at 0.48 per set and ranking eighth in spiking at 41.27 percent.

Ybañez and his squad are still vying for the second seed in the Final Four and will face NU after both teams finished tied at a 10-4 win-loss record in the men’s division playoffs for the No. 2 spot. 

In a season defined by comebacks, breakthroughs, and sustained excellence, Nitura and Ybañez stood at opposite programs but shared the same outcome—proof that dominance in UAAP volleyball still belongs to those who can carry it across every facet of the game.

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