Judiel Nitura moved by sister Shaina's surprise visit as Letran clinches finals ticket
By BEA MICALLER,GMA Integrated News
Judiel Nitura had every reason to celebrate Colegio de San Juan de Letran's sweep victory over Arellano University on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball Final Four.
For one, it sent the Lady Knights back to the finals, earning a shot at redemption opposite four-peat seeking De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the same team that defeated them in last year's finals.
But what made the victory sweeter was the surprise presence of her sister Shaina, who watched a game this season for the first time, and it coincided with one of Judiel's finest performances this year.
Judiel appreciated the gesture, sharing she understands Shaina's hectic schedule, which includes her role with Adamson University in the UAAP and the Alas Pilipinas national team.
READ MORE | Alas Pilipinas Women's team for 2025 international tournaments
"Kasi ngayon lang pumunta si Shaina, first time niyang manood. Syempre na-touch din ako kasi nakahanap siya ng time para manood sa akin," Judiel told GMA News Online.
"Busy lang talaga kasi 'yung bata sa training tapos may Alas pa siya. Na-miss ko rin siya. Last na kita namin siguro mga one or two months ago na kasi busy din po kami kasi twice-a-day 'yung training namin."
[This was Shaina's first time to watch. Of course, I was touched that she found the time to watch me... She is so busy with training and she also has Alas. I've missed her. Last I saw her was one or two monhts ago because we've also been busy with twice-a-day training.]
Judiel, who admitted she didn't know her younger sister would be watching the match, led Letran to a 30-28, 25-12, 25-21 win over the Lady Chiefs to book the last finals ticket.
She poured in a team-high 17 points anchored on 15 attacks and two blocks, steering the Lady Knights to a second consecutive championship appearance.
"Hindi ko alam na nanood siya. After the game ko lang nalaman kaya na-touch ako, naiyak ako. Si Mama lang 'yung alam ko na manonood," Judiel added.
"Nagkakasagasa din kasi 'yung schedule namin kaya hirap na hirap din siyang humanap ng time. Ako nanonood sa game nila."
[I didn't know she was going to watch. I only found out after the game which is why I was touched. I cried. I only knew that Mama was going to watch... Our schedules have conflicted so she it has been tough on her to find time. I've been the one watching her games.]
But Judiel knows the work doesn't stop here as they now shift into higher gear ahead of another finals showdown with the Lady Blazers starting on Sunday.
"Stay focused and 'yung mindset namin dapat sobrang taas ng tingin sa sarili namin. Dapat lagi lang din kaming makinig sa mga coaches para alam namin 'yung mga galaw."
[Stay focused and we need to have the mindset that we think highly of ourselves. And we always have to listen to our coaches so we know our moves.]
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
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