Shaina Nitura and the Adamson Lady Falcons during the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Shaina Nitura treated fans to a 28-point outburst to lead Adamson past Cesafi champion University of San Carlos, 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu leg opener on Friday at Mandaue Sports Complex.
Nitura, armed with her international stints with Alas Pilipinas, was nearly unstoppable with 22 kills, four blocks, and two aces to overcome the grit of USC.
LIVE UPDATES: Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals – Cebu Leg
But the UAAP Rookie of the Year and scoring record holder emphasized the importance of having the right mindset against the teams they are facing in Cebu.
“We need to go back to the basics and fix our mindset. We can’t take teams that aren’t from the UAAP lightly,” Nitura told the reporters in Filipino after her team gave up 36 errors.
“A lot of teams now are really competitive. We have to respect every opponent we face, because everyone has something to offer. Philippine volleyball has really leveled up, every team can fight. That’s why we need to stay grounded, respect the game, and always give our best.”
Shaina Nitura of Adamson over USC’s Allyssah Diez during the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg. –HANDOUT PHOTO
Adamson erased a 21-24 deficit in the second set, saving eight set points behind Nitura, who tied the frame at 31. But her service error and Julianne Yu’s clincher allowed USC to level the match.
Falling short in the second set lit a fire under the Lady Falcons, who dominated the next two sets, racing to a 14-4 lead in the fourth and never looking back.
“I’m really happy with how they responded after what happened in the second set. That’s exactly what we want to see, even after dropping a set, they were eager to bounce back right away in the next one,” Adamson coach JP Yude said.
READ: Shakey’s Super League: Adamson wary of USC as Cebu leg unfurls
Frances Mordi backstopped Nitura with 11 points. Red Bascon had nine points. Mary Ann Del Moral and Kim Rocha had eight points each, while Lhouriz Tuddao added seven points.
Fei Sagaysay ran the plays of Adamson while also scoring five points including three aces.
Adamson eyes its second win against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, which also put up a gallant stand against Ateneo but fell in four sets, on Saturday at 4 p.m.
USC seeks to bounce back against Ateneo also on Saturday at 6 p.m.
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Angel Galinato led USC with 14 points, while Yu and Ghanna Suan added nine and eight, respectively.