UP star middle blocker Niña Ytang remains open about the possibility of returning to Diliman for one more year, following her third Best Middle Blocker award in UAAP Season 87.
For the third straight season, University of the Philippines’ Niña Ytang has cemented her place as one of the UAAP’s elite defenders, clinching the Best Middle Blocker award in Season 87.
She took the spotlight during the awarding ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, making it just in time to receive her award.
"Sobrang traffic talaga! Traffic sa QC, traffic sa tollgate, sa Skyway. Ano bang nangyayari sa Philippines???" she jokingly told One Sports. Still, the volleyball fans were happy to see her shake hands with Second Best Outside Spiker Angel Canino of La Salle.
But even after another stellar individual campaign, the question remains — will Niña be back next year?
After posting their best record since Season 79, Ytang admitted that she’s still undecided about returning for another playing year with the Fighting Maroons. But even with pro offers looming, But the 5-foot-11 middle blcoker also bared that she is more inclined to return to Diliman.
“Hindi ko pa po alam eh. Kailangan pa siyang pag-isipan and then malapit na ‘yung deadline ng pasahan ng requirements. Marami pang kailangan kausapin, kailangang asikasuhin,” Ytang said after receiving her third consecutive award.
"May chance talaga dahil malapit talaga sa akin 'yung UP, kaya mabigat sa puso 'yung pag-stay ko sa UP. More on gusto ko pa mag-stay, pero baka magkita tayo next year. Malay niyo naman hindi ba?" she added.
The 23-year-old blocker has consistently proven her value for the retooled Diliman squad.
Despite UP finishing outside Final Four contention this season, Ytang continued to stand tall — both literally and figuratively — ranking among the best in her position across all statistical categories.
Grateful for her teammates and coaches, Ytang said this latest recognition motivates her to continue pushing forward.
“Hindi ko naman makukuha ‘yung awards ko na ito kundi dahil sa coaches, sa teammates ko. Hindi naman ako mapupunta dito kung walang tulong ng teammates,” she said.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Amid uncertain future, Niña Ytang still has heart for Fighting Maroons]
Ytang also hinted that the team is building something exciting in Diliman, whether or not she remains part of it.
“It’s gonna be interesting talaga for next year. Maraming dapat maging excited for, pero siguro abangan niyo na lang sila dahil for sure sa akin, magiging maganda yung laban [nila] at yung ipapakita ng UP next year,” she added.
For now, UP and its fans await Ytang’s decision as they look forward to an even brighter Season 88 ahead with the arrival of Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero.
[ALSO READ: Now in UP, Casiey Dongallo keeps Lady Warriors in her heart: ‘Hindi ko pa rin nakalimutan yung UE’]
(With reports from Xander Cipriano/One Sports Digital)