Shaina Nitura led Adamson University to its second consecutive victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, securing a thrilling five-set win, 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11, to close the day’s action on Tuesday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Fresh from her stint with Alas Pilipinas in the two legs of the SEA V.League, the sophomore outside hitter made a rousing V-League debut, scoring 28 points on 27 attacks and one block. Her performance helped the Lady Falcons tie for the lead with College of Saint Benilde, which earlier defeated Letran in four sets, 25-15, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20.
Nitura contributed five of those crucial points in the deciding set, pushing Adamson to a 23-20 lead before an unreturned ball by libero Althea Aposaga and a quick attack from Lhouriz Tuddao sealed the match, which lasted two hours and 19 minutes.
Boosted by the return of their captain, Nitura, the Lady Falcons surged ahead early in the opening set but encountered resistance from the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the second.
Down 10-16, FEU’s Jaz Ellarina and Faida Bakanke used their height advantage and timing to block several attacks — mostly from Nitura and Frances Mordi — and even took the lead at 18-17.
However, errors late in the set made it difficult for FEU to maintain the lead, allowing Adamson to take a 2-0 set advantage.