MANILA, Philippines – UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura hopes to make the most out of her opportunity as she takes on a chance to train with Alas Pilipinas.
Nitura, who joined training last week, helps the national team intensify training efforts for several high-level contests coming soon, such as the VTV Cup and the AVC Nations Cup in Vietnam this June, as well the SEA V.League in Vietnam and Thailand this August.
“I’m very grateful since I have already learned a lot despite not being named to the final lineup yet. I have learned a lot from my teammates, who have vast international experience,” Nitura told reporters in Filipino on Friday, May 23.
“(I’m impressed) with all my teammates, there are no words to explain how good all of them are, they all stand out to me, I learned something from every player.”
Nitura already earned an invite from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) even before cementing the greatest UAAP women’s volleyball rookie season ever, as she vowed to learn leadership and skill from her teammates.
The former UAAP high school MVP broke several records in a historic Season 87 performance, including most points in a game (38), most points in a rookie debut (33), most 30-point games (6), and most points in a season for either division (371).
More importantly, she got to pick the brains of several players such as Jia de Guzman, the main playmaker and Alas team captain.
“We are still working out on our connection since it’s just been a week playing with each other,” Nitura continued. “We are still feeling one another out as we help build the team.”
Training with less pressure to lead, Nitura says she is enjoying the ride as she seeks to gain experience and wisdom, but is ready if she gets the call-up.
“Hindi ko pa talaga masabi kung gaano ako ka-ready pero for sure, pagtatrabahuan ko na maging better and qualify for the team.” (I still couldn’t say how ready I am, but for sure, I will work hard to be better and qualify for the team.) – Rappler.com