Niña Ytang, Joan Monares, and Irah Jaboneta are returning for their final year with the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 88
The UP Fighting Maroons are getting a major boost for UAAP Season 88, as veterans Nina Ytang, Joan Monares, and Irah Jaboneta are officially returning to use their final year of eligibility.
Strong Group Athletics and the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development confirmed the trio's return, which is expected to solidify the Fighting Maroons' growing momentum following a breakout Season 87 campaign.
After a dismal 1-13 record in Season 86, UP surged to a joint fifth-place finish this year with a 6-8 slate, narrowly missing the Final Four. Now with Ytang, Monares, and Jaboneta back in the fold, the Maroons are looking to make an even bigger splash next season.
"Napakalaking bagay na babalik silang tatlo para sa atin kasi gusto natin that our women's volleyball team will keep the fire burning kapag second sem," said UP-OASD director Bo Perasol. “Now that Nina, Joan, and Irah are all returning, we are sure na the UP community ay lalong mawiwiling sumuporta.”
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During the Season 87 awarding last Wednesday, May 14, Ytang already hinted at the possibility of playing her final year with the Fighting Maroons.
"May chance talaga dahil malapit talaga sa akin 'yung UP... More on gusto ko pa mag-stay, pero baka magkita tayo next year. Malay niyo naman hindi ba?" she told One Sports.
As one of the league's most consistent middle blockers, Ytang was named Second Best Middle Blocker for the third straight year after averaging 11.2 points and 0.55 blocks per set. Meanwhile, Monares and Jaboneta stepped up significantly on offense, with Joan norming 12.2 points per game and Irah adding 10.8 markers.
The core of the squad remains intact, with only graduating captain Nica Celis and one-and-done middle Kassy Doering departing.
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UP will also welcome prized recruits Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero, along with rising talents Kianne Olango and Jaz Manguilomotan.
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Additionally, the team is expected to tap into international expertise with the arrival of a head consultant and strength & conditioning coach from Italy.
The Fighting Maroons haven’t reached the Final Four since Season 78, but with its mix of returning veterans and young firepower, UP is determined to break that drought in Season 88.