UAAP: Adamson's Shaina Nitura, UST's Josh Ybañez cop Season 88 volleyball MVP awards

Shaina Nitura became the first Most Valuable Player in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament from Adamson University after topping the statistical race at the end of the Season 88 elimination round.

Nitura received her award on Saturday.

Nitura tallied 98.51 statistical points (SPs) along with 284 total points. She led the league in scoring, ranked third in spiking efficiency (38.15%), seventh in service (0.26 aces per set), fourth in reception (44.48%), and eighth in digging (2.11 digs per set).

She was also named Best Outside Spiker, sharing the honor with De La Salle University’s Angel Canino.

Meanwhile, Lady Spiker Shevana Laput was named Best Opposite Spiker. The Best Middle Blockers were La Salle’s Amie Provido and University of the Philippines’s Niña Ytang. Adamson’s Fhei Sagaysay was recognized as Best Setter, while National University’s Shaira Jardio took the Best Libero award.

NU’s Sam Cantada, meanwhile, was Rookie of the Year.

In the men’s division, University of Santo Tomas standout Josh Ybañez claimed his third top individual award after posting 90.192 SPs.

Ybañez ranked fourth in spiking (45.19%), second in aces (0.35 per set), second in reception (65.68%), and second in total scoring with 278 points.

He also secured his third Best Outside Spiker award, alongside NU’s Buds Buddin.

“Actually, I really didn’t take it as something na makakapagpa-pressure sa akin. Instead, this MVP is a motivation for me and a confidence boost to do better and to lead the team kung ano pang magagawa ko next year,” Ybañez said.

“As what I have said sa previous interviews, it is not my goal. Welcome ito sa akin, but that’s not what I’m chasing. Bonus na lang itong binigay ni God. Thank you, God. I’m grateful for this, pero alam n'yo naman talaga ang pinaka-goal ko dito sa UAAP.”

NU’s Leo Ordiales was named Best Opposite Spiker, while La Salle’s Issa Ousseini and Far Eastern University’s Lirick Mendoza earned Best Middle Blocker honors.

FEU’s Ariel Cacao was Best Setter, while teammate Vennie Ceballo was Best Libero.

—JKC, GMA News