UP's Niña Ytang in action. UAAP Media

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – University of the Philippines did the unthinkable in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

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.

This was NU'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.

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's 32 in 2018 during Season 80.

"Hindi namin in-expect na mananalo kami. Parang, 'yun, laban lang talaga nang laban," Ytang said after the game.

It was also the best scoring performance of any middle blocker since Jaja Santiago's 30 against University of Santo Tomas in April 2017.

Joan Monares chipped in 16 attack points, including the game-winner, to go along with eight excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

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.

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.

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.

Here's how Monares described the last play.

READ: UAAP: FEU eyes solo second; NU looks to extend perfect start

"Game-wise, siguro, '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 'yung middle late tapos lahat sila nakaatras," said Monares.

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"So, I tried na i-drop nalang '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," Monares added.

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.

UP, as it gains steam for a Final Four push, takes on University of the East next, set for Sunday, March 30.

NU will have a tough challenge in FEU, also scheduled for Sunday. Both games are at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

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