UP’s Niña Ytang during a win over Adamson in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Missing the past two games as a consequence of abdominal strain, Niña Ytang returned just in time to assist the University of the Philippines regain its winning ways within the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
Ytang made up for lost time with a solid comeback, scattering 15 kills, three blocks, and two aces to complete with a team-high 20 points in a 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10 win over Adamson on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Truthfully, I felt really bad about our last two games. I just told myself that I needed to bounce back for the team. Not only for me, but for the team because I would like to contribute. I’m doing my best in any way I can to assist the team,” said Ytang in Filipino.
READ: UAAP: Irah Jaboneta’s late heroics get UP back heading in the right direction
Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Niña Ytang were relieved to tug off a comeback against the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hfQCWyNSm9
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 16, 2025
UP coach Benson Bocboc admitted that Ytang needed to regulate after missing the motion as the previous UAAP Best Middle Blocker was almost overcome by her emotions after they were down two sets to 1.
“In the course of the third set, I used to be really emotional. I almost cried. I’m thankful, though, because I even have my older teammates there who remind me that this isn’t the time to be scared or lose hope,” she said. “I told myself that I’m one in every of the veterans now, so I can’t show the team that I’m down or let my emotions affect my game. I must be more mature on the court.”
Ytang got her act together as she conspired with Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Kianne Olango to spoil Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura’s record-setting 38 points as UP snapped a four-game skid to complete the primary round with a 3-4 record.
“It’s so heartwarming and makes me proud, especially seeing how we’re really fighting as a team. We wouldn’t have gotten this win if we didn’t help one another,” said Ytang.
