Niña Ytang sizzles for 30 points as UP halts streaking NU Lady Bulldogs in five-set stunner

Niña Ytang imposed her will at the net to help University of the Philippines tear down a powerhouse in National University, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. 

The 5-foot-10 middle blocker shone with a massive 30-point outing that was built on 27 attacks and three blocks while Joan Monares dazzled with 16 markers, including the game-winning attack that allowed them to improve to 4-5. 

The Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, fell to an 8-1 card after absorbing their first loss this season and first defeat since May 4, 2024, when they bowed to Far Eastern University in Game 1 of Season 86 Final Four round. 

Ytang was in her element all game long, unleashing a tip on the ball that dragged the defending champions to a deciding fifth set. 

But the Lady Bulldogs were initially out to spoil the party for UP with ace Bella Belen unloading back-to-back heavy service aces that saw them taking a 5-3 lead. 

Ytang then put on two quick hits as UP tied things at 7-all before Monares knocked down two open kills in a row to give the Fighting Maroons a slim 10-9 cushion. 

Alyssa Solomon, though, denied Monares on her next attempt to put NU back on top by one at 12-11. But Solomon committed costly errors down the stretch, hitting the net first then going wide on her attack to allow UP to secure the crucial match point, 14-12. 

Monares then made something out of a broken play to deliver the killer blow and the victory for the hosts. 

Kianne Olango, Irah Jaboneta, and Bienne Bansil chipped in 10 points each for UP with Jaboneta also grabbing 13 digs and 19 receptions. 

Belen and Solomon paced NU with 21 and 19 points apiece, but those were not enough to lift NU to their supposed ninth straight win this season. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News