Niña Ytang began playing volleyball simply as a way to secure a free education in high school.
She never imagined she would reach the UAAP level. Initially, she thought she would only play in her hometown of Liloan, Cebu, to maintain her scholarship.
But with hard work and discipline, opportunities arise — something Ytang has proven firsthand.
The 5-foot-10 middle blocker, now in her final playing year, led University of the Philippines to one of the biggest upsets in UAAP women’s volleyball.
UP toppled the previously-unbeaten National University, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Ytang delivered a career-high 30 points, tallying 27 attacks and three blocks, becoming the first middle blocker to hit that scoring mark since NU legend Jaja Santiago’s historic performance on April 8, 2017, in Season 79.
She also became the first Fighting Maroon to score 30 points since Tots Carlos achieved the feat on February 28, 2018, in Season 80.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
When asked if she ever imagined her name being mentioned alongside two-time Japan V.League Best Middle Blocker Santiago and three-time PVL MVP Carlos, Ytang was quick to respond:
“No! Super no!
“Kasi nung nag-start po ako talaga ng volleyball, hindi ako nag-expect na mapupunta ako kahit nga sa UAAP eh. Yung plano ko lang doon lang sa Cebu kasi for free tuition ganyan, hindi ko inexpect na aabot ako sa ganitong level,” Ytang told Tiebreaker Times.
“Sipag lang like kung hindi ka talaga magsisipag, wala ka talagang mapapala. Sipag lang talaga sa loob at labas ng court saka disiplina lang talaga,” she added.
UP’s victory, which dropped NU to 8-1 and secured a traditional Final Four format, was also its first win against the Lady Bulldogs since April 4, 2018 — a straight-sets triumph (25-18, 25-22, 25-20) in the second round of Season 80.
For Ytang, this performance was a testament to her dedication to UP, especially since this could be the last time she dons the maroon jersey.
However, at just 23 years old and having played only four seasons, she still has the option to return for one more year.
“Actually for now, I’m focusing more sa season na ito kaya sabi ko nga, last playing year ko na, ibubuhos ko na lahat,” shared the Arcelo Memorial National High School product.
“I mean, last time ko na maglaro para sa UP, ibigay na talaga lahat. Focus lang talaga muna and dadating naman ‘yung panahon na mapagiisipan at mapagpaplanuhan yung future.”
#WATCH: “LABAN LANG KAMI NANG LABAN!” 💪
Nina Ytang admits she didn’t expect UP to topple the mighty NU Lady Bulldogs—but they did! 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/5n20z6ouda
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 26, 2025
