Nina Ytang couldn’t sit still.
For two matches, the fourth-year middle blocker agonized from the sidelines as the University of the Philippines stumbled through a four-game losing streak in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The Fighting Maroons initially appeared poised to become one of the tournament’s dark horses, but Ytang’s absence due to an abdominal strain — after contributing a combined 26 points in their 2-0 season start — proved costly as they slid to a 2-4 record following four consecutive defeats.
Ytang made a timely return in UP’s first-round closer against fellow strugglers Adamson University. However, she not only had to power through lingering abdominal pain but also battled her emotions as the Fighting Maroons found themselves down 1-2 in sets.
Despite the pressure, the 23-year-old middle blocker showed remarkable composure, playing a vital role in UP’s 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10 comeback win over the Lady Falcons on Sunday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Ytang’s performance spoiled a record-setting 38-point explosion by Adamson rookie standout Shaina Nitura, the new UAAP women’s volleyball scoring record.
“Actually, kanina nung mga third set, sobrang emotional na ako nun. Parang mangiyak-iyak na ako nun. Thankful naman ako dahil hindi naman ako senior talaga, nandiyan pa yung mga ate ko, nandiyan sila at rine-remind ako na tama nga naman, hindi ito oras para matakot at mawalan ng loob,” shared the pride of Liloan, Cebu.
“Sabi ko talaga at inisip ko na lang na isa na ako sa mga matatanda kaya hindi ko pwede ipakita sa team na nada-down ako at hinahayaan kong maapektuhan yung laro ko sa emotions ko. Dapat maging mature na rin sa loob ng court. Sobrang thankful din ako sa mga ates at coaches na laging nagre-remind na kalma lang dapat, kaya natin ito at mananalo tayo dito.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Beyond overcoming her emotions, Ytang was also determined to make up for lost time — not to boost her individual stats, but to provide an immediate lift to a UP squad in dire need of offensive firepower and leadership.
And make up for lost time she did. Ytang top-scored for the Fighting Maroons with 20 points on 15 attacks, three blocks, and two aces while also tallying four excellent digs.
Her standout performance helped UP improve to solo fifth place at 3-4, just one game behind fourth-placed Far Eastern University (4-3).
“Actually, sobrang nanghhinayang din ako sa last two games namin. Inisip ko na lang na kailangan ko bumawi sa team. Not just for me, but sa team kasi kailangan ko mag-contribute. Ginagawa ko yung best ko in any kind of way para makatulong sa team,” the 5-foot-10 middle blocker explained.
Aside from her offensive impact, Ytang emerged as a steadying presence when UP needed it most. With her guidance and ‘never say die’ mentality, the Fighting Maroons found their rhythm, with three other players contributing double-digit outputs: Irah Jaboneta with 19 points, and Kianne Olango and Joan Monares with 15 points each.
“Sobra[ng] nakakatuwa at nakakaproud lalo na sa team na nakikita namin na lumalaban talaga kami kasi team work talaga ito. Hindi namin makukuha yung panalo na ito kung hindi kami nagtulungan. Sobrang nakaka-proud talaga na makita ko yung teammates na nagtutulungan kami sa loob and also sa coaches din na sobrang tiyaga talaga nila sa amin,” she stressed.
“Pinagtiyatiyagaan talaga nila halos lahat, ibigay na nila yung buong oras nila sa amin kahit sobrang pagod na pagod na sila kasi may season din sila. Sobrang nakaka-proud and sobrang thankful, lalo’t na sa mga tumutulong sa amin.”
