BY Gwen Bergado
ON a random Wednesday afternoon, the University of the Philippines put forth a plot twist in the erstwhile flawless story of defending champion National U.
On the capable and confident shoulders of Niña Ytang, the Fighting Maroons pulled off an unbelievable upset of the Lady Bulldogs, the latter's first loss in UAAP Season 87.
READ: UPset: Fighting Maroons put first blemish on Lady Bulldogs record
Of course, Ytang had much-welcome backup in the form of Kianne Olango and Bienne Bansil - who know more than a thing or two about the blue and gold.
“NU ‘yon. Nasa ibabaw. Super happy po na natalo namin sila,” Bansil told SPIN.ph after scoring 10 points built on six attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
“Siyempre champion team po sila. Kaya malaking bagay 'to para sa'min,” Olango, who delivered 10 points including two crucial service aces in the fifth, furthered.
Olango and Bansil once donned NU's colors back in the high school ranks before taking their talents to Diliman.
And now, they are key piecess to State U's, without a doubt, biggest win in recent history.
Aside from leaning on each other as the main ingredient of their thrilling triumph, the pair referred to the fifth and final set as an opportunity for them young talents to showcase their skills.
“Malaking opportunity ‘tong fifth set, kaya nilaban na talaga namin nang buong-buo,” the 5-foot-11 middle blocker shared.
“Feel ko, binibigyan talaga kami ng chance para lumaban,” the prized outside hitter continued.
Winning Maroons
During their tenure in Jhocson, the two, alongside their still-teammate Yesha Noceja, won two championships and a silver medal.
Now playing for the maroon-and-green, the two expressed gratitude to head coach Benson Bocboc - who, like them, is also in his first year making the most of his opportunity in UP.
“Thankful po ako sa tiwala ni coach,” Olango, the Season 85 girls volleyball MVP said.
“Same lang po, thankful po ako kay coach, kaya gagawin ko lang po ‘yung dapat ‘kong gawin sa court,” Season 86 girls volleyball best middle blocker Bansil uttered.
As UP looks to lock in and build on this momentum in their next match against UE, Bansil exclaimed that complacency has no place for their team that stands at 4-5.
As she put it, “Hindi po kami dapat magpakampante kasi hindi pa po tapos ang UAAP. More trabaho pa po.”
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