Niña Ytang draws praise after solid Alas debut at AVC Women’s Cup

Alas Pilipinas at 2026 AVC Women’s Cup: what to know

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Niña Ytang turned heads in her Alas Pilipinas debut in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup. Ytang showed no signs of rookie jitters as Alas’ main middle blocker, dropping 12 points off eight kills and four blocks to help sweep Uzbekistan, 25-16, 25-12, 25-14, in Pool A on Saturday at Candon City Arena here. Alas Pilipinas interim coach Shaq Delos Santos, who handled Ytang at the University of the Philippines in 2023, relished the growth of his former player. “We’re very happy because we know what Ytang is capable of and what she can bring to the team. It’s exciting because this is an international tournament and she’s eager to play,” Delos Santos said in Filipino.  Despite Ytang’s solid debut, Delos Santos reminded his player to stay focused ahead of another big game on Sunday, 3 p.m, against Australia.   “She’s really fired up, but we’ve reminded her to keep things balanced because we don’t want her to get overwhelmed and lose focus on what she wants to accomplish,” said the Alas coach.   Team captain Alyssa Valdez, who led the way with 14 points, was all praise for Ytang. “Nina Ytang is such a jolly person and gives energy to the team. More than her skills, I think her personality actually helps the team’s chemistry to be better and to improve our game in the next few games,” said Valdez. Ytang withdrew from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft and decided to focus on playing for Alas Pilipinas.