Shaina Nitura set to claim historic UAAP MVP award for Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – An Adamson player will be crowned the women’s volleyball Most Valuable Player for the first time in UAAP history.

Shaina Nitura will earn the distinction following a stellar Season 88 campaign that saw her power the Lady Falcons to the Final Four for the first time in three years and once again lead the league in scoring, the UAAP announced on Thursday, April 23.

Coming off a historic rookie season where she scored a record 371 points, the 21-year-old sophomore totaled a league-most 284 points (248 attacks, 24 blocks, and 12 aces) this year and ranked in the top 10 in other departments.

Nitura finished third in spiking efficiency, fourth in receptions, seventh in service, and eighth in digging as she amassed 98.511 statistical points (SPs) en route to a landslide MVP triumph, with teammate Frances Mordi coming in at a distant second with 82.766 (SPs).

Banking on the one-two punch of Nitura and Mordi, Adamson posted a 9-5 record to clinch the No. 3 seed and will face the winner between the UST Golden Tigresses and the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the stepladder playoffs. 

Nitura will also bag her first Best Outside Spiker plum, while La Salle’s Angel Canino will clinch the award for the third time.

Two more players from the unbeaten Lady Spikers will bring home precious hardwares as Shevana Laput and Amie Provido repeat as Best Opposite Spiker and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.

UP’s Niña Ytang will get the other Best Middle Blocker spot.

Aside from Nitura, another Adamson player will be feted as Fhei Sagaysay will be named Best Setter. 

Defending champion NU will also have multiple awardees like Adamson and La Salle, with Shaira Jardio and Sam Cantada to be hailed as Best Libero and Rookie of the Year, respectively.

The awarding is set on the day of Game 2 of the finals.

In men’s action, UST’s Josh Ybañez will take home his third MVP award as he returns to the top following wins in seasons 85 and 86. – Rappler.com