Shaina Nitura feels ‘no pressure’ after Adamson’s strong opening win

Shaina Nitura made it clear after Adamson University’s dominant opening win over Ateneo: the spotlight may be on her, but the weight isn’t.

Coming off a historic rookie season, Nitura brushed aside any talk of added expectations as the Lady Falcons cruised to a 25-19, 25-18, 25-10 sweep in their UAAP Season 88 debut at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Despite leading Adamson with 16 points, the 21-year-old outside hitter emphasized that this year feels lighter — not heavier.

“Actually, gumaan naman po siya para sa amin, lalo na sa team, kasi collective effort po siya. May ma-off man, sabihin natin na ma-off ako, meron na talagang siguradong sasalo sa’kin kasi, as you can see, kumpleto talaga kami,” Nitura said.

Her confidence stems from the Lady Falcons’ depth. Francis Mordi backed her up with 14 points, rookie Abby Segui impressed with eight markers in her debut, while middle blockers Princess Dote and Lhouiz Tuddao anchored the net with seven and six points, respectively. Veterans Red Bascon and Barbie Jamili, along with rookies Joy Aseo and Lana Barrera, provide even more scoring options.

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Shaina Nitura vs ADMU

3 SETS
Total: 16
Attack: 15/40
Block: 0
Ace: 1

#UAAPSeason88 #volleyball pic.twitter.com/ud4cGd8Vfl

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) February 15, 2026

For Nitura, that balance eliminates the burden of having to carry the offense every game.

“Kung sakaling ‘di gumana si Abby, we have opposite. Kung sakaling ‘di ako gumana, meron kaming Lana [Barrera], meron kaming Red [Bascon], Joy [Aseo] — yung rookie namin — and Ate Barbie [Jamili],” she added.

After rewriting the record books last season — including a 38-point performance that set a new UAAP single-game scoring mark and a 371-point campaign that broke the all-division season record — Nitura now appears more focused on growth than gaudy numbers.

“Deep bench talaga ang meron kami, so no pressure pa rin naman sa akin, sa team. Lalo kasi young team, so marami pa yung puwedeng mangyari,” she said.

“Fino-focus lang talaga namin yung paangat namin at mag-focus kami na mabuo kami. Over time naman, darating na ‘yun kung ibibigay ni Lord at kung makita niya na deserve na naman na makuha yung dapat naming makuha.”

If Adamson’s opening statement is any indication, Nitura won’t need to chase records this season.

She just needs to trust the team around her — and so far, that trust is paying off.

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