MANILA, Philippines — Niña Ytang, Joan Monares, and Irah Jaboneta are running it back for the University of the Philippines one last time in UAAP Season 88.

After emerging as the leaders of the Fighting Maroons, who finished with a 6-8 record in fifth place, the senior troika has decided not to turn pro yet and will use their final year of eligibility in 2026.

“It’s a really big deal that the three of them are coming back because we want our women’s volleyball team to keep the momentum going in the second semester,” said Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.

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“Now that Niña, Joan, and Irah are all returning, we’re confident the UP community will be even more excited to show their support.”

The three reaffirmed their commitment to UP main backer Frank Lao during a team dinner on Wednesday.

Ytang, who received her third consecutive UAAP 2nd Best Middle Blocker award after averaging 11.21 points per game and 0.55 blocks per set, will continue to anchor the squad.

Monares proved to be clutch for UP last season, averaging 12.21 points per game and 0.25 aces per set.

Jaboneta will continue to display her two-way game for the young squad after posting 10.79 points per game and 38.60-percent receiving efficiency.

The Fighting Maroons will have a deep and promising young roster as the trio leads rookies Kianne Olango and Jaz Manguilomotan, along with transferees from University of the East—Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero.

UP, under coach Benson Bocboc, who will be joined by a head consultant and a strength-and-conditioning coach from Italy, already bid farewell to captain Nica Celis, who will enter the 2025 PVL Draft, and one-and-done spiker Kassy Doering.