“THIS is our season.”
Niña Ytang declared this after the UP Fighting Maroons came back from the dead and stunned the NU Lady Bulldogs, 16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 31-29, 18-16, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Saturday evening.
“We came from a loss (against La Salle) so our confidence was low. That’s why the first and second sets were hard for us,” said Ytang.
“We were thinking, ‘Can we do this?’ but we had to show up because this is our season. We are manifesting that this is going to be our season, so we have to work hard and never stop.”
Ytang, who earned Player of the Game honors with 18 points (10 attacks, seven blocks, and one ace), expressed pride in the tremendous effort her teammates showed against the defending champion and previously unbeaten NU.
“I’m very, very proud. I always tell them that we can show this level of play all day,” said Ytang, whose Maroons improved to 3-1 for second place and dragged the Lady Bulldogs to the same record.
“We have to work hard and never stop. I always remind them that if they see a ball, they should raise it. No ball will land in our court. I’m so, so proud,” added Ytang, whose UP finished sixth last year.
Ytang said she’s manifesting that this is UP’s season since this is going to be her final year and she wants to end her collegiate career on a high note.
The 3-time Second Best Middle Blocker said she was supposed to turn professional last year but decided to play one more year.
“Backstory: Last year, I was supposed to turn pro. My coaches and teammates were my inspiration to stay,” said the 24-year-old middle blocker.
“The seniors I’m with now wanted to stay. Before we left, our season was supposed to be good. So that was the only reason why we needed this season. That’s why we stayed — for this.”