The University of the Philippines (UP) survived the record-breaking 38-point onslaught of Adamson University super rookie Shaina Nitura to post a 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10, Sunday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nitura’s scoring showcase erased the previous 35-point outburst of Alyssa Valdez and Sisi Rondina but the Lady Falcons took a nosedive in the final stretch, allowing the Fighting Maroons to ran away with the win.

“Perhaps it’s a given that Nitura is capable of scoring that many points, or even more, depending on how close the game is,” said UP head coach Benson Bocboc.

“But with UP, it’s really a team effort because that’s what we focus on, making sure everyone sticks to the game plan. If someone strays from it, we just bring them back because we really need to work as a group.”

The Fighting Maroons leaned on the experience of veteran Irah Jaboneta and the resurgence of returning star Nina Ytang.

“I just got carried away as a senior on the court, I couldn’t stay silent,” said Jaboneta, who spearheaded the decisive rally, scoring seven of her 19 points in the fifth set alone.

“I suddenly felt energized, realizing that they needed to see me fighting so they would know they had to fight, too. We will fight together for the team.”

Ytang, a two-time second-best middle blocker, had her best performance of the season with 20 points, including 15 attacks, three blocks and two aces.

Joining Jaboneta and Ytang in double digits were Joan Monares and rookie Kianne Olango, who contributed 15 points each.

The victory snapped UP’s four-game losing streak and propelled the Diliman-based spikers to fifth place with a 3-4 record to end the first round of action.

Meanwhile, Adamson also wound up with a similar card after four straight defeats.

Five-peat-seeking National University continued its mastery over the University of Santo Tomas (UST), securing a 16-25, 25-20, 25-21, 29-27 win in men’s play.

The Bulldogs, who have won the last two seasons via sweep at the expense of the Golden Spikers, wrapped up the first round with a 6-1 record. Their only loss came at the hands of Far Eastern University, which completed a 7-0 sweep of the opening round.

Leo Aringo led the Bulldogs with 13 points, while first-time starter Jade Disquitado delivered 12.

Michaelo Buddin added 11 points, and Rwenzmel Taguibolos chipped in 10.

UST dropped to 4-3, now tied for third with Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.

Josh Ybañez returned to his usual starting position, leading UST with 17 points. Jay dela Noche provided solid support with 16 points, while Jan Macam and Trevor Valera contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.

In another men’s clash, UP snapped a five-game losing streak with a hard-fought 20-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 win over Adamson.

UP’s Nigerian spiker Raheem Olayemi powered the Fighting Maroons with 22 points, built on 18 attacks and four blocks.

Rookie Tommy Castrodes, a former Adamson High School standout, tormented his former team with 17 points.

With the win, UP improved to 2-5, securing sixth place at the close of the first round.

Meanwhile, Adamson suffered its fourth consecutive defeat, falling to 1-6 and seventh place in the standings.

Despite the loss, Adamson’s Jude Aguilar was a bright spot, exploding for 27 points off 26 attacks.

Dan Gutierrez, Leo Coguimbal, and Marc Paulino each added 11 points but could not stop the Fighting Maroons’ relentless charge.