MANILA, Philippines — Adamson’s successful UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball debut wasn’t just about rookie Shaina Nitura’s record-setting 33-point explosion.

The rebuilding Lady Falcons found a solid 1-2 punch in Nitura and foreign student-athlete Frances Mordi to recover from a two-set deficit and overwhelm the Ateneo Blue Eagles in thrilling five sets, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Article continues after this advertisement

Mordi, who also made an impressive UAAP debut with 23 points built on 16 kills, five blocks, and two aces, was relieved to pass their first test in the UAAP against the Blue Eagles.

READ: UAAP: Rookie Shaina Nitura shrugs off pressure, dazzles in debut

“I would like to say thank you to the Lord because it’s not easy. We played a very strong team but it was a very slow start for us. We believe in ourselves and show patience as well,” she said.

The Lady Falcon from Nigeria attributed her confidence to coach JP Yude, who told her to believe in herself. 

Article continues after this advertisement

“My coach always tells me to believe in myself. So I also told myself to believe in my teammates and it’s not over yet (in the third set). So, I believed we could do something. We just have to push and trust ourselves and help each other also,” she said.

Although Mordi is still scratching the surface of her full potential, Yude was happy to see his new player overcome challenges in the first game, seeing her hard work in practice pay off with a solid debut.

READ: UAAP: Rookie Shaina Nitura leads Adamson rally past Ateneo

“I saw her potential even when sometimes she’s struggling. I always push her to be brave in every challenge. [And I believe] the best is yet to come for her,” said Yude in Filipino.

“I’m very proud of Frances. Because in training and tune-up games, there are so many struggles that are happening, not only for Frances but all my players. All their hardships and sacrifices led to this win, especially [with what they showed] in the fifth set,” he added.

Mordi, Nitura, and the Lady Falcons will be tested by a bounce-back-seeking La Salle Lady Spikers on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.