WHEN it comes to the UAAP’s ‘Battle of Katipunan,’ that rivalry is often associated with basketball more than volleyball.
But for three-time best middle blocker Nina Ytang, matches against their not-so-friendly neighbors mean more, especially after years of setbacks and frustration for the University of the Philippines.
The Fighting Maroons may not be considered outright title contenders this Season 88, but snapping an eight-year drought against neighboring Ateneo was a breakthrough Ytang proudly embraced.
“Sabi ko nga kanina, ‘yung energy, minsan bumababa, hindi agad lumalabas, pero napapakita naman din namin agad ‘yung talagang gustong-gusto naming manalo,” said Ytang after their come-from-behind triumph over the blue-and-white on Sunday.
READ: UP rallies to finally get Ateneo monkey off its back
Borrowing a familiar mantra often associated with a fierce foe from the other end of Quezon Ave. - that being those Golden Tigresses in Espana, to be precise - Ytang had a simple way of describing the triumph.
“Lagi talaga naming mina-manifest ‘yan na oras na para ilipat ang korona sa kabilang side ng Katipunan,” she added.
UP fights to the finish
For first-year State U head coach Fabio Menta, surviving the grueling two-hour and 44-minute contest was a testament to his wards' resilience, especially amid lingering fitness concerns across the roster.
Despite opening the season with wins over University of the East and now, the Blue Eagles, the Italian mentor is looking beyond morale-boosting victories, stressing the need for the longtime pushovers to, well, push for Final Four contention.
“That’s why we’re here,” said Menta. “That’s why we worked for eight months. We need to catch one of those big teams sooner or later in order to be in the Final Four.”
Menta noted that UP continues to deal with physical limitations that affect its defense, blocking, and attack, particularly when the team is not at full strength.
Still, belief remains central to the Fighting Maroons’ approach.
“Every game is possible. We proved it last year, beating La Salle and NU. We’re gonna try it again,” he said, as they now turn their attention to back-to-back face-offs with last year's finalists in the Lady Spikers and the Lady Bulldogs.
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