Three-time second-best middle blocker Nina Ytang, along with senior spikers Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta, aren’t turning pro just yet.
Instead, all three have decided to return for their final year of eligibility with University of the Philippines.
The trio reaffirmed their commitment to UP’s women’s volleyball team during a dinner on Wednesday with main backer Frank Lao, expressing their desire to build on the team’s promising 6-8, joint-fifth finish in UAAP Season 87.
“Napakalaking bagay na babalik silang tatlo para sa atin kasi gusto natin that our women’s volleyball team will keep the fire burning kapag second sem. Now that Nina, Joan, and Irah are all returning, we are sure na the UP community ay lalong mawiwiling sumuporta,” said UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
With Ytang, Monares, and Jaboneta leading the charge, the Fighting Maroons will look to capitalize on the continued growth of impact rookies Kianne Olango and Jaz Manguilomotan, as well as the addition of high-caliber transferees Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero.
Ytang continued her streak of excellence by being named the league’s second-best middle blocker for the third straight year, averaging 11.21 points per game and 0.55 blocks per set.
Monares and Jaboneta also broke out in their fourth seasons. Monares posted averages of 12.21 points per game and 0.25 aces per set, while Jaboneta contributed 10.79 points per game and registered a 38.60 percent receiving efficiency.
Despite the departure of PVL Draft-bound skipper Nica Celis and American blocker Kassy Doering, the Fighting Maroons will move forward with a largely intact core under the guidance of head coach Benson Bocboc.
