Niña Ytang stresses need for improved Alas Pilipinas chemistry

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026

Nina Ytang during Alas Pilipinas’ game vs Australia in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur—Niña Ytang continues to embrace the learnings in her first international stint with the Alas Pilipinas crew that took its first loss in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup on Sunday.

Ytang sustained her fine form for Alas with 13 points from nine spikes, three aces, and a block, only for the Filipinos to absorb a 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 setback at the hands of a tall Australia side at Candon City Arena here.

“I would say I learned a lot, especially about myself,” Ytang said in Filipino. “Of course, the older players and the coaches have always been there to guide us. Right now, my focus is really on the lessons I’ve gained from the experience.”

The middle blocker making her PH team debut served and nailed timely aces in Alas’ run of seven unanswered points for a 22-12 spread en route to a 2-1 match lead.

However, the home team lost steam in the last two and dropped to a 1-1 record in Pool A.

Needing to win their last three games, Ytang agreed with her teammates that they need to continue to work on their chemistry.

“I think it’s our composure and our connection with one another,” she said. “Communication is always important, especially since we’ve only been together for a short time. We need better communication and composure on the court.”

Ytang, who withdrew from the PVL Draft to focus on her national team duty, unleashed 12 points off eight kills and four blocks in her first Alas game, a sweep of Uzbekistan, 25-16, 25-12, 25-14, on Saturday.

Alas Pilipinas interim coach Shaq Delos Santos, who handled Ytang at UP in 2023, and team captain Alyssa Valdez were all praises of the young middle blocker.