Josh Ybanez. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas overcame 48 errors before edging out La Salle, 25-21, 23-25, 30-28, 29-27, to cop its seventh straight in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Josh Ybanez kept the Golden Spikers afloat, pouring in 25 points from 24 kills to deliver their ninth win in 10 games before the Holy Week break.
“We don’t have a choice but to move on (from our errors) and keep on fighting,” said Ybanez in Filipino. “We’re still happy because we still made it despite our errors.”
UST gave up 24 service errors in the game but GBoy De Vega also stepped up with 15 points and 11 excellent receptions. Rainer Flor chipped in 15 markers.
The Golden Spikers only scored three aces out of 106 serves.
“My main gunners were off but other players stepped up, That’s fine a win is a win. I almost went home because we practiced our service,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon with laughter. “At least we have time to settle these things before the Holy Week.”
Setter Dux Yambao dished out 20 excellent sets on top of five points including two blocks to pace the Golden Spikers in overcoming the Green Spikers in two hours and 35 minutes.
Mamon and his player Jay Rack De La Noche will fly to Japan on April 9 for the Philippine men’s volleyball team’s training camp ahead of the Southeast Asian Games.
Mamon will miss one game, while De La Noche won’t see action in two matches as he will stay in Japan until April 23.
La Salle slid to a 5-5 record, amid the 20-point effort by JM Ronquillo.
Ronquillo had 18 kills, one ace, and a block. Noel Kampton, who was celebrating his birthday, had 16 points, while Vince Maglinao added 10 markers and nine receptions.