University of the Philippines‘ Nina Ytang against Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura during their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — University of the Philippines outlasted Adamson University in a tough five-set thriller in their UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament Round 1 ender.

The Fighting Maroons survived Shaina Nitura's record-breaking 38-point game for the Soaring Falcons, 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10, during their Sunday afternoon clash at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Nina Ytang returned from a two-game absence due to an abdominal strain by pouring in 20 points on top of four digs and a reception, while Irah Jaboneta stepped in for State U in the clutch by delivering seven of her 19 total points with 12 digs and 11 attacks

"Sobrang nakakatuwa at nakaka-proud lalo na sa team, na nakikita namin na lumalaban talaga kami," commented Ytang on their collective efforts vs. the San Marcelino-based spikers. 

"Sobrang nakaka proud na makita ko yung teammates na nagtutulungan kami sa loob," she added of the contest that allowed State U to end its four-game losing skid and improve to 3-4. 

In the decider, Jaboneta fired six of her total production midway through the frame, and this allowed UP to sit at an 8-5 lead at the half of the fifth.

The third-year ace continued her onslaught later on in the same frame, and she eventually ended the contest by converting the game-winning point over AdU's blockers.

"Sa totoo lang po, parang mas ginusto ko talaga [pumuntos] kasi ramdam ko na siya," said Jaboneta of her show showing in the fifth. 

"Gusto ko talagang manalo so kahit anong bola, hinihingi ko na. Thankful din ako sa mga teammates ko na binigay nila yun sakin. Ganon ako kagutom para ipakita or makakuha ng puntos para sa team," she added.

On the other hand, the Lady Falcons absorbed their fourth straight defeat despite Nitura's historic performance, and this resulted in them falling to 2-5.

Still, UP head coach Benson Bocboc tipped his hat to Adamson's prized rookie who broke the previous league record of UAAP alumni Alyssa Valdez and Sisi Rondina of 35 points.

"Given na yun, na si Nitura possible talaga to score that many points, even more pa," he said. 

"Ttulong tulong talaga kami kasi yun yung binabantayan namin sa kanila, kapag may nawawala doon sa plano, binabalik lang namin sila kasi we need to work as a group talaga," he added.

Aside from Nitura, seldom-used Barbie Jamili showed why she was among AdU's standouts last year, putting up 18 points with 10 digs and seven receptions.