Eyes are already on what can super rookie Shaina Nitura do for the Adamson Lady Falcons following her impressive performances in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.

The 5-foot-9 outside spiker made heads turn after erupting for 33 points in their opening game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles -- the highest production ever recovered from a rookie -- showcasing great promise on her young collegiate career.

So impressive was Nitura that players and coaches including longtime La Salle tactician Ramil De Jesus thinks the 20-year-old Cainta native will become a bigger threat in the coming years.

But for now, Adamson coach JP Yude wants Nitura to cultivate her leadership skills this early in order to help the Lady Falcons achieve their goal of making a return trip to the Final Four.

The Lady Falcons last made it to the Final Four two seasons ago bannered by Kate Santiago, Trisha Tubu and Lorene Toring. 

“Yung tinitingnan ko sa kanya yung leadership nya,” said Yude. “Kasi yung ang magpapa-buildup sa kanya at dun siya maggo-grow, sa mga ganung bagay.”

“How she handles things inside and outside the court kasama mga teammates nya, dun ko talaga nakikita na dun siya dominant,” he added.

Adamson has high hopes for Nitura as it already named her as its team captain despite being only a freshman.

So far, they have been looking good this early, holding a 2-1 record in tie with University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines at second. 

They absorbed their first defeat last Sunday, Feb. 26, at the hands of De La Salle in three sets.

“Kailangan po namin madaanan ‘yong mga challenges na ganun, para matuto,” said Nitura.

“Kasi if hindi naman makikilala si talo, hindi namin makikilala si panalo. Looking forward to more experience, games, challenges to come,” she added.