MANILA, Philippines — Missing the past two games due to abdominal strain, Niña Ytang returned just in time to help the University of the Philippines regain its winning ways in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Ytang made up for lost time with a solid comeback, scattering 15 kills, three blocks, and two aces to finish with a team-high 20 points in a 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10 win over Adamson on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Honestly, I felt really bad about our last two games. I just told myself that I needed to bounce back for the team. Not just for me, but for the team because I need to contribute. I’m doing my best in any way I can to help the team,” said Ytang in Filipino.

READ: UAAP: Irah Jaboneta’s late heroics get UP back on track

Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Niña Ytang were relieved to pull off a comeback against the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hfQCWyNSm9

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 16, 2025

UP coach Benson Bocboc admitted that Ytang needed to adjust after missing the action as the former UAAP Best Middle Blocker was almost overcome by her emotions when they were down two sets to one. 

“During the third set, I was really emotional. I almost cried. I’m thankful, though, because I have my older teammates there who remind me that this isn’t the time to be scared or lose hope,” she said. “I told myself that I’m one of the veterans now, so I can’t show the team that I’m down or let my emotions affect my game. I need to be more mature on the court.”

Ytang got her act together as she conspired with Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Kianne Olango to spoil Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura’s record-setting 38 points as UP snapped a four-game skid to finish the first round with a 3-4 record. 

“It’s so heartwarming and makes me proud, especially seeing how we’re really fighting as a team. We wouldn’t have gotten this win if we didn’t help each other,” said Ytang.