La Salle’s battlecry: Stop Nitura

Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

9 a.m. — UST vs UE (m)

11 a.m. — UST vs UE (w)

3 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (m)

5 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (w)

Prized rookie Shai Nitura, fresh from a 33-point explosion during Adamson University’s pulsating five-set win over Ateneo de Manila University, faces another stern test Saturday as hostilities escalate in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Adamson battles De La Salle University at 5 p.m. with Nitura bracing for the Taft-based squad’s fightback following a three-set loss to defending champion National University last Sunday, its first loss after racking up 10 straight stretching back to last season’s campaign.

The victory catapulted the Lady Falcons to an early share of the lead alongside the Lady Bulldogs and the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons with 2-0 win-loss cards.

Focus will be on neutralizing Nitura, a former high school Most Valuable Player, who has what it takes to make the team one of the league’s top squads.

Nitura not only became the league’s new record holder in scoring among rookies but also matched Adamson’s mark set by Angela Benting in 2009 in a come-from-behind 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 victory over Ateneo last Sunday.

“I am grateful because of her (immense) talent. Even if a lot of players are no longer around, the void is being filled by players like her,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

Aside from Nitura, Adamson drew huge games from Nigeria’s Frances Mordi and setter Fhei Sagaysay, making a good impression in their collegiate debut.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus, who has never experienced a 0-2 start in his decorated 28-year career with La Salle, is remains upbeat despite the shaky start.

The Lady Spikers lost key players Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maica Larroza who have all turned professional, leaving Shevana Laput, Angel Canino and Amie Provido to take the cudgels.

“Perhaps it was a wake-up call because expectations are always high because you’ve got Shevannah Laput and Angel Canino,” De Jesus said.

University of Santo Tomas (UST) and University of the East (UE) seek to rebound from their opening-day defeats in the other women’s match at 11 a.m.

In the men’s play, all four teams that dropped their season openers will see action.

The Golden Spikers play the Red Warriors at 9 a.m., while the Green Spikers take on the Falcons at 3 p.m.

UE interim coach Allan Mendoza liked what he saw from his Lady Warriors after giving the Fighting Maroons fits before falling short of a reverse sweep, 18-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-13, 13-15, in the opener.

“I told them that they played very well and it was much more than what I was expecting from them,” Mendoza said.

Khy Cepada, Van Bangayan, Riza Nogales, Tin Ecalla, and libero Ange Reyes left everything on the floor for UE on opening day as it tried to pick up the pieces from the abrupt departure of Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero and Kizzie Madriaga.

UST, last season’s runner-up, opened its campaign with a 19-25, 25-16, 14-25, 20-25 defeat to Far Eastern University on opening day.

Still reeling from the loss of Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, the Tigresses hope to regroup right away behind Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Cassie Carballo, and libero Detdet Pepito. Rookie Marga Altea showed promise for UST as its starring middle blocker.