Niña Ytang is confident that her upcoming stint with the Philippine women’s national volleyball team will further boost her stock in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker from the University of the Philippines was among the 20-player pool announced by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation last Tuesday for the AVC Women’s Cup set on June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
However, the announcement came ahead of a Friday night development in which the FIVB, volleyball’s world governing body, suspended the PNVF over alleged governance issues and violations of its Code of Ethics.
“Sa ngayon po, yung nararamdaman ko, sobrang grateful sa mga opportunities na na-e-experience ko ngayon. Looking forward sa mga matututunan ko sa Alas na I’m sure na madadala ko naman po sa PVL team na kukuha sa akin,” said Ytang.
(C) PVL Images
Ytang has developed into one of the best players in her position during her five-year stint with UP, winning the Best Middle Blocker award a record four times.
She is regarded as one of the top prospects in the 42-player draft pool, alongside Alyssa Solomon, Camilla Lamina, and Detdet Pepito, among other promising aspirants.
The Draft is set on June 3, with Galeries Tower holding the coveted first overall pick.
“I think that’s a big advantage sa aming draftees na kasama ko sa Alas. I think isa rin yun sa sanang maging dahilan ng mga PVL teams na makuha kami, kasi may exposure and yung opportunity nga na makakapaglaro kami against international players,” Ytang shared.
Aside from Ytang, other draftees named to the Alas Pilipinas pool include setters Tin Ubaldo and Natalie Estreller, and libero Lara Mae Silva.
