It took a powerful fifth-set rally and an offensive explosion of its promising middle blocker for University of the Philippines (UP) to deal reigning champion National University (NU) its first loss of the season.

The Fighting Maroons scored the most shocking upset of the season when it pulled off a thrilling 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory over erstwhile unbeaten Lady Bulldogs in Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Nina Ytang spearheaded the ambush, dropping 30 points to destroy the Lady Bulldogs’ defensive fortress that prompted the Fighting Maroons to wage a come-from-behind victory in the fierce battle that lasted for two hours and 35 minutes.

With her heroic performance, the 23-year-old Ytang became the first middle blocker to drop 30 points since Jaja Santiago’s explosion in NU’s tight five-set victory over University of Santo Tomas on 8 April 2017. She was also two-point shy of matching the UP scoring record set by Tots Carlos on 28 February 2018.

More than that, Ytang’s valiant performance allowed the Fighting Maroons to snap their seven-game losing streak to the Lady Bulldogs that stretches back to Season 81 in 2019. The last time the Fighting Maroons won over the Lady Bulldogs was in Season 80 on 4 April 2018.

“I’m speechless. Anything can happen in this sport. We just gave it our all,” Ytang said.

“When we reached the fifth set, we told ourselves, ‘We’re already this far, why give up now?’ So, we just fought hard, helped each other, and persevered on the court.”

UP coach Benson Bocboc stressed that the Fighting Maroons wanted it more, especially after coming from a heartbreaking five-set loss to Ateneo de Manila University last Saturday.

“The players quickly adapted to our game plan. We focused on minimizing NU’s offensive output, and fortunately, it worked because everyone contributed — from service to blocking to defense,” said Bocboc, whose wards fought back with four straight points off a net touch error and an attack error from Alyssa Solomon followed by a quick hit from Ytang and an off-the-block attack from Joan Monares to seal one of the biggest victories in the school’s volleyball program.

“Even when we lost a set and our energy dipped, they managed to recover.”

With the win, UP goes to solo fifth place with a 4-5 standing, snapping its three-way deadlock with Ateneo and Adamson University.

Monares backed up Ytang’s stellar play with 16 points while Irah Jaboneta contributed 10 points off eight attacks, one block, and an ace. Former NU standouts Kianne Olango and Bienne Bansil also chipped in 10 points each to help UP defeat their former squad.

Jaz Manguilimot orchestrated UP’s offense with 17 excellent sets, while Yesha Capistrano provided stability on the defensive end with 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.

Most Valuable Player frontrunner Bella Belen dropped 21 points on 16 attacks and five aces while Solomon recorded 19 points, including 15 attacks, three blocks and one ace for the Lady Bulldogs, who suffered their first loss of the season after eight consecutive victories.

Vange Alinsug and Erin Pangilinan added 16 and 11 points, respectively, in the tough loss.

Meanwhile, in the men’s division, defending champion NU bounced back from an opening-set loss to post a 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, win and secure its 13th consecutive victory over UP since Season 78 on 20 march 2016.

Jade Disquitado powered NU with 22 points on 21 attacks and one block, while Leo Aringo added 19 points. Buddin contributed 17 points on 16 attacks and one ace, while Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba chipped in 10 points, including five attacks, four blocks, and one ace.