John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Article (news)

UAAP87 VB - NIÑA YTANG-1347

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

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Volleyball

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

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 26, 2025 02:33 PM PHT

|

Updated March 26, 2025 07:30 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

absnews

volleyball

UAAP Season 87

UAAP volleyball

National University

NU Lady Bulldogs

UP Fighting Maroons

University of the Philippines

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.