From Liloan to
the national stage
Niña Ytang is officially taking her talents to the national level. The former University of the Philippines middle blocker, who hails from the Municipality of Liloan in Cebu, has been named to the 20-player pool for the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team. She’s set to compete in the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, which runs from June 6 to 14 in the scenic host city of Candon.
Her inclusion follows a powerhouse season in the UAAP. During Season 88, Ytang consistently put up numbers that’d make most veterans jealous. She averaged between 13 and 15 points per match, finishing with a total of 172 points. This haul included 126 attacks, 35 blocks, and 11 service aces across just 14 elimination-round games.
The art of
the middle blocker
Middle blockers often do the dirty work—the blocking and the floor coverage—while the wing spikers grab the headlines. Ytang, however, flipped the script. She became the rare middle blocker who could dominate the scoring column, often outperforming the outside hitters. Her consistency earned her the Best Middle Blocker title four times during her collegiate career, cementing her reputation as an efficient offensive threat.
Beyond her points, she acted as the primary defensive anchor for UP. She specialized in fast-paced transition plays, often scoring points before the opponent could even set up their block. Her presence at the net essentially stabilized the team during high-pressure rallies. Her inclusion in the national pool recognizes her years of effort in perfecting her craft.
A stacked roster for the AVC Cup
She won’t be alone in representing the South, as she joins fellow Cebuana and ZUS Coffee standout Thea Gagate in the middle blocker group. The coaching staff has also tapped FEU’s Jaz Ellarina, Cla Loresco, and Third Tuddao to reinforce the middle. It’s a crowded position, but Ytang’s versatility will provide much-needed depth against international competition.
The most exciting news for fans is the return of Alyssa Valdez. The national team superstar, who hasn't suited up for the flag since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, is headlining the training pool. Her return adds a layer of star power and experience that the younger players like Ytang can learn from as they prepare for the AVC tournament.
Life after the UAAP
For Ytang, this national call-up is just the beginning of a busy year. She has officially declared for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft. She’s joining a cohort of four other talented Cebuanas who are looking to make their mark in the professional ranks. This transition from collegiate star to pro hopeful marks a major shift in the local volleyball community, especially in Cebu where the talent pipeline has been exploding recently.
"Ytang stood out as both a defensive anchor and an efficient offensive weapon."
Local fans are watching closely to see which team snaps her up. Between the national team training and the upcoming draft, the next few months will be a whirlwind for this Liloan native. Her selection represents a major advancement in her career trajectory, and after four years of Best Middle Blocker honors, she seems more than ready for the heat.