NIÑA Ytang is getting her Asian Games call-up after all.
The former University of the Philippines standout was a last-minute addition to Alas Pilipinas Women’s final 12 for the 20th Asian Games, replacing Capital1 winger Erika Santos in the latest Philippine delegation list.
Santos’ name was originally included in the final 447-athlete list submitted by the Philippine Olympic Committee on Monday. But in the updated list released by the Philippine Sports Commission on Friday, Ytang’s name appeared instead, with Santos omitted.
Ytang’s initial exclusion had already surprised many, especially after her stellar showing in the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon and both legs of the 6th SEA V.League.
The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker has quickly established herself as a key piece of Alas Women since leaving UP, with her post-college career so far centered more on national team duty than the pro league.
Ytang even forewent her spot in the 2026 PVL Draft, where she was among the favorites to be selected early, to continue her national team commitments.
Now, she gets her chance to make her Asian Games debut.
Ytang’s inclusion was the only change to the volleyball rosters between the POC list and the PSC’s updated version, with Alas Men and Alas Beach both unchanged.
Ytang and the rest of Alas Women face a daunting start to their Asian Games campaign, taking on reigning champion China on September 16 before closing the group stage against Kazakhstan a day later.
Her late inclusion now gives head coach Taka Minowa a quartet of middle blockers in the final 12 in Ytang, Thea Gagate, Amie Provido and Dell Palomata.
It also leaves Alyssa Solomon as the lone listed natural opposite hitter, although Angel Canino provides Minowa with a potential alternative after previously shifting to opposite in past tournaments.
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