UAAP87 VB - NIÑA YTANG-1347

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1742970531276UAAP87 VB - NIÑA YTANG-1347.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">UP&#x27;s Niña Ytang in action.<em> UAAP Media</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA, Philippines<strong> (UPDATED) </strong>– University of the Philippines did the unthinkable in UAAP Season 87 women&#x27;s volleyball tournament.</p><p>The Fighting Maroons dealt National University its first loss of the tournament, overcoming the defending champions in five sets, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.</p><p>This was NU&#x27;s first loss since their Final Four meltdown in Season 86 against Far Eastern University, also their first defeat this season after starting clean in eight games.</p><p>Niña Ytang had an impressive game, firing 30 points on 27 attacks and three blocks — the first 30-point outing of a Fighting Maroon since Tots Carlos&#x27;s 32 in 2018 during Season 80.</p><p>&quot;Hindi namin in-expect na mananalo kami. Parang, &#x27;yun, laban lang talaga nang laban,&quot; Ytang said after the game.</p><p>It was also the best scoring performance of any middle blocker since Jaja Santiago&#x27;s 30 against University of Santo Tomas in April 2017.</p><p>Joan Monares chipped in 16 attack points, including the game-winner, to go along with eight excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.</p><p>Leading 12-11, National U star Alyssa Solomon committed a costly error down the stretch, gifting a point to the UP side after a net fault for a deadlock at 12-all.</p><p>Ytang scored on a combination play, 13-11, and then Solomon suffered another fault — an attack error — to push the Fighting Maroons to match point.</p><p>And it was Monares who closed out the game with an off-speed hit, to the delight of the Fighting Maroons who were also visibly emotional immediately after.</p><p>Here&#x27;s how Monares described the last play.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/3/25/uaap-feu-eyes-solo-second-nu-looks-to-extend-perfect-start-2121"><strong>READ: UAAP: FEU eyes solo second; NU looks to extend perfect start</strong></a></div><p>&quot;Game-wise, siguro, &#x27;yung NU naghihintay na ng strong ball. Naghihintay na sila sa spike, so lahat sila nakaatras na. Tapos sakto, nanghingi kasi ako sa setter ng medyo bitin na bola eh &#x27;yung middle late tapos lahat sila nakaatras,&quot; said Monares.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/3/23/kaya-pa-talaga-ateneo-boosts-final-4-hopes-with-marathon-win-vs-up-1453"><strong>READ: &#x27;Kaya pa talaga&#x27;: Ateneo boosts Final 4 hopes with marathon win vs. UP</strong></a></div><p>&quot;So, I tried na i-drop nalang &#x27;yung bola sa NU kasi atras din naman eh. Pero gets, parang game instinct na ba’t mo papaluin kung lahat sila naghihintay sa palo mo,&quot; Monares added.</p><p>NU skipper Bella Belen paced the shocked side with an all-around performance of 21 points on 16 attacks and five aces, and 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. Despite unfortunate late errors, Solomon had a bright game overall with 19 markers anchored on 15 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace.</p><p>UP, as it gains steam for a Final Four push, takes on University of the East next, set for Sunday, March 30.</p><p>NU will have a tough challenge in FEU, also scheduled for Sunday. Both games are at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GycUM9yXBQQ??si=-SrtFL3eLJ4su8RF&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>University of the Philippines did the unthinkable in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament. #UAAPSeason87</p>

University of the Philippines did the unthinkable in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament. #UAAPSeason87

UAAP: Ytang fires 30 as UP deals NU its first loss in Season 87 | ABS-CBN

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UAAP: Ytang fires 30 as UP deals NU its first loss in Season 87

UAAP: Ytang fires 30 as UP deals NU its first loss in Season 87

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 26, 2025 02:33 PM PHT

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Updated Mar 26, 2025 07:30 PM PHT

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