Shaina Nitura aims to follow up on her record-breaking rookie performance as the Adamson Lady Falcons test their mettle against a decorated program in the DLSU Lady Spikers in Week 2 of UAAP Season 87.
[RELATED: Shaina Nitura breaks UAAP rookie scoring record in Adamson debut as Lady Falcons soar past Ateneo]
After a stunning reverse sweep over the Ateneo Blue Eagles during the opening weekend, Nitura hopes to sustain her fine form against another formidable hitter in Angel Canino and her Lady Spikers.
As conversations swirled around Nitura’s performance, she was likened to La Salle’s Canino and NU’s Bella Belen, who each won MVPs in their rookie years in the league — adding to that, each also won the UAAP title for their respective teams that year.
[RELATED: Era of Super Rookies: Five instances rookies stood out in UAAP women’s volleyball]
Let’s take a look at the match-ups slated as Season 87 goes into full swing with a whole week of volleyball action.
Wednesday, February 19 (FilOil EcoOil Centre)
Ateneo vs NU - 11:00 a.m.
Opening women’s action in Week 2 will be the defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs (1-0), who will be seeking a quick 2-0 start against the Ateneo Blue Eagles (0-1) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan at 11:00 a.m.
After a dominant three-set win over La Salle in the opening game, NU hopes to repeat its success against an Ateneo side that lost their first game against Adamson.
Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, both of whom are playing their final year with the Lady Bulldogs, aim to dominate once again with the help of veteran setter Lams Lamina at the helm.
[RELATED: Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon happy to start NU’s UAAP title defense on a strong note]
But the Blue Eagles, who are reeling from an injury to Geezel Tsunashima in the 5th set against Adamson, will look to stage an early upset in the season with a rejuvenated program under Sergio Veloso.
AC Miner is hoping to ride the momentum of her big game in the loss to Adamson to get Ateneo on the board.
UP vs FEU - 3:00 p.m.
Two teams coming off of opening-day wins will collide for a 2-0 start to the season as the UP Fighting Maroons (1-0) battle the FEU Lady Tamaraws (1-0) in the second game in San Juan on Wednesday.
The Fighting Maroons, who averted meltdown against UE in the curtain raiser on Saturday, face a big test against last year’s semifinalist FEU, who showed tremendous potential in the win against the UST Golden Tigresses.
UP’s core of young stars headlined by Kianne Olango are eager to avoid any jitters this time around as they face the formidable Lady Tamaraws.
[RELATED: UP Fighting Maroons survive 11-strong UE Lady Warriors to win 5-set thriller in UAAP Season 87 opener]
With returning head coach Tina Salak, FEU setter Tin Ubaldo flourished as she fashioned a big team win over UST in four sets, distributing the rock among the Lady Tamaraws’ hitters like Faida Bakanke, and Chenie Tagaod.
[RELATED: Gerzel Petallo, FEU Lady Tamaraws click on all cylinders in convincing win over UST]
Saturday, February 22, (FilOil EcoOil Centre)
UST vs UE - 11:00 a.m.
The UST Golden Tigresses (0-1) and the UE Lady Warriors (0-1) will race to barge into the win column first as they battle early on Saturday morning for a bounce back victory at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
After falling flat against FEU, last year’s runners-up UST will attempt to get things going against an equally determined UE. With key cogs like Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula out of commission, the España-based squad will latch on to
the likes of UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos to lead the charge.
Meanwhile, UE, after showing promise in a comeback attempt against the UP Fighting Maroons, hope to strengthen its bid despite key offseason exits.
The Lady Warriors hope to ride their optimistic opener thanks to Khy Cepada stepping up into the starring role.
La Salle vs Adamson - 5:00 p.m.
The DLSU Lady Spikers (0-1) have licked their wounds after a stinging loss to the NU Lady Bulldogs in their opening game last weekend.
Their first chance at redemption? A promising Adamson Lady Falcons squad who are riding the high of a reverse sweep victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
A determined Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and La Salle will battle against emerging top rookie Shaina Nitura, who uncorked a big 33-point game in their win over Ateneo. Still, La Salle’s championship mettle will be a tough nut to crack.
[RELATED: Ramil De Jesus hopes La Salle absorbs learnings in rare UAAP opening-day loss to NU]
Meanwhile, Adamson will be looking to prove they are more than just openers with Nitura at the helm along with fellow rookie Frances Mordi.
[RELATED: Frances Mordi credits confidence in jumpstarting Adamson's reverse sweep vs Ateneo — ‘It’s not over yet’]
Sunday, February 23 (Mall of Asia Arena)
UP vs Ateneo - 2:00 p.m.
The Battle of Katipunan opens the curtains for Sunday action in women’s volleyball as two contending teams hope to make their case early for the Final Four.
After missing out on the semifinals last season, both teams will attempt to build on their momentum in the early goings of the tournament — as UP’s young stars are pitted against Ateneo’s more seasoned lineup.
[RELATED: Kianne Olango takes challenge of rebuilding UP team in stride following successful high school career]
Long-time rivals not just in volleyball, UP and Ateneo enter the latest chapter of their competitive journey as a prelude to possible Final Four matchup.
NU vs FEU - 4:00 p.m.
Closing the weekend action for Week 2 will be a Final Four rematch against the NU Lady Bulldogs and the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the main game in MOA Arena.
After getting dragged into the deep water in the semis last season, NU will look to reassert their mastery over the Morayta-based squad to establish themselves as — still — the title favorites in UAAP Season 87.
But the Lady Tamaraws, who showed tremendous promise in their big win over UST, hope to make it two-for-two against last season’s finalists in a herculean clash with the defending champions.
[RELATED: FEU shows might in convincing win over shorthanded UST to start UAAP Season 87]
Action is now in full swing for women’s volleyball in UAAP Season 87. Don’t forget to catch the heart-stopping match-ups and competition.