UAAP: UP, Fina Ali show fighting spirit in women’s volleyball breakthrough vs Ateneo

Over the past eight years, the University of the Philippines has been unable to defeat Ateneo de Manila University, dropping 11 straight games dating back to UAAP Season 80.

During the first two sets of their initial encounter of Season 88, it looked like the Blue Eagles were going to keep the winning door shut on the Fighting Maroons.

However, instead of folding, this year’s Fighting Maroons were able to persevere through and claim victory over Ateneo via a reverse sweep, 17-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-14.

Playing in her fifth and final year for UP, star middle blocker Niña Ytang shared her elation at finally getting one over their Katipunan neighbors.

Recalling her team’s previous encounters with the Blue Eagles, Ytang highlighted the resilience and fire UP displayed in the breakthrough win.

“Sabi ko nga kanina, ’yung energy minsan bumababa, hindi agad nakakabalik, pero napakita naman agad na gustong-gusto namin manalo. Kaya lagi talaga naming mini-manifest na oras na para ilipat ang korona sa kabilang side ng Katipunan,” Ytang said.

The three-time Best Middle Blocker finished with a team-high 15 points built on 11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace.

Another big protagonist in the Fighting Maroons comeback was newcomer Fina Ali, who despite not being deployed in the opening two sets, came in during the subsequent sets to provide the jolt UP needed to start a comeback.

Despite being labeled by Ytang and UP head tactician Fabio Menta as the team’s “spark,” the 18-year-old humbly deflected the praise to her teammates.

“Going inside, I didn't change the game. I believe we all did it. We adapted to the system and then from there everything happened. I appreciate everyone—from the coaches to everyone. We really fought, and I'm happy for everyone,” Ali said.

Finishing with 13 points on 13 attacks, Menta also shared that the UP faithful should be looking forward to the blossoming of Ali’s game for years to come.

“Fina is one of the greatest projects probably in UAAP for the next years, and she will prove it. She proved it already today. She's very calm, sometimes even too calm. But she's understanding the game very well, and she belongs to this team big time,” Menta said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News