Three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang named her top UAAP players as she rallies the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 88.
UP middle blocker Niña Ytang is no stranger to talent in the UAAP, now in the midst of her fifth and final year with the Fighting Maroons.
Whether it be a teammate or competitor, Ytang has been surrounded by incredible volleyball talent that have pushed her to improve on her own game.
As she leads UP's fight to return to the Final Four in Season 88, Ytang reflected on the past and present players in the UAAP that have caught her eye.
Ytang first rattled off names of those already in the pro ranks, the greats that made their mark even outside the UAAP.
“Unang-una, [UAAP idol ko] si Ate Sisi [Rondina], yes, Ate Sisi. Hindi mo na maqu-question yun,” Ytang said, revering the former MVO out of UST and SEA Games gold medalist with Alas Pilipinas.
“Pangalawa, [si] Ate Jia [De Guzman], setter. Pangarap ko po siya maging setter,” she added of the multi-titled playmaker who spent her UAAP years with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Ytang didn’t stop there, as she also recognized current UAAP talents that are bound to be household names.
[RELATED: High time for UP to reclaim ‘Battle of Katipunan’ in UAAP women’s volleyball, says Ytang]
“Sa UAAP naman ngayon, siguro si [Shaina] Nitura. Magaling siya. Wala naman talagang ano jan, Nitura,” Ytang said of the the Adamson ace, who shattered many UAAP records as a rookie.
“Balita ko si Angel [Canino], magaling siya. As in, dati pa, nung naging kalaban namin siya, girl, iba ka,” Ytang added.
Canino, of course, is one of only two Rookie-MVPs in UAAP women’s volleyball.
To cap her list, Ytang made sure to look inward as well.
While Final Four success has been elusive for the Fighting Maroons, a handful of new recruits put UP in position to contend now.
UP's biggest addtition is Casiey Dongallo, who also took the UPP by storm as a rookie two seasons ago.
“Sa UP si Casiey [Dongallo]. Of course, may UP. Hello?” Ytang quipped.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.