Record-breaking rookie from Adamson Shaina Nitura makes it two in a row, while Amet Bituin makes his case as a future star in UAAP Season 87.
Up and coming players nabbed the spotlight in the penultimate week of UAAP Season 87 elimination round, with Adamson’s Shaina Nitura and FEU’s Amet Bituin named as the Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week from April 9 to 13.
Nitura, for her part, was named back-to-back Player of the Week after another record-busting performance. She scored 37 points in a big win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws, effectively throwing a wrench at the Lady Tams’ Final Four bid.
Against the Morayta squad, Nitura dazzled with her fifth 30-point game of the season. Not only that, she broke the all-time scoring record in a single season for women’s volleyball — eclipsing Alyssa Valdez’s record of 312 points by two.
What makes it more iconic is that she still has two games remaining.
After the match, Nitura was left speechless at being able to achieve what she has just in her first year in the league.
“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mafi-feel ko doon. Kasi, kung sa akin po talaga, sobrang bonus niya and thankful ako kay Lord na nabibigyan ako ng opportunity na ganoon, na in that way, may mga good things na mangyayari sa akin," Nitura said.
"Mas nafi-feel ko na mas gustong manalo ng teammates ko, na gusto talaga nilang ibigay ang best sa mga remaining games ng team. Nakikita ko yung puso nila and kapit na hindi nila tatapusin nang basta-basta," she added.
Nitura bested UP’s Kassy Doering and Joan Monares, NU’s Bella Belen, and UST’s Kyla Cordora to nab the honor as decided by print and online journalists covering the league.
Over at the men’s side, Bituin made sure that his star shone the brightest in his first start as a rookie after helping the league-leading Tamaraws gain the twice-to-beat advantage with a four-set victory over Ateneo.
Bituin had 17 points and nine excellent receptions against the Blue Eagles before following it up with a 14-point outing in a sweep of the also-ran Adamson Falcons.
“Kahapon pa sa inensayo, tinry na ni coach na ako i-start. Kahit medyo may confusion sa akin, mas pinagkatiwalaan ko lang 'yung coaching staff at 'yung teammates ko na nagu-up sa akin kahit minsan down ako,” the homegrown FEU high school star said after the game.
Bituin towered over teammate Lirick Mendoza, NU’s Leo Aringo and Obed Mukaba, UST’s Popoy Colinares, and La Salle’s Noel Kampton for the weekly citation.
The UAAP is currently on a break for the Holy Week. Action returns for the men’s and women’s division on Wednesday, April 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.