UST snaps 3-game skid at expense of UP in UAAP men’s volleyball

UST Golden Spikers’ Josh Ybanez.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas ended a three-game skid after pouncing on winless University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Reigning MVP Ybañez brought back the winning ways of the Golden Spikers with a game-high 21 points built on 18 kills, two blocks, and an ace to force a three-way tie in the fourth seed with Ateneo and Adamson.

“Honestly, lahat naman kami frustrated sa sunud-sunod na pagkatalo and hindi siya naging rason samin para hindi na lumaban at para sukuan ang season na ‘to or yung round one,” said Ybañez. “May mga remaining games pa kami para ibalik yung confidence and actually it’s a great way for us to regain our confidence lalo na ayun nga, sunud-sunod yung pagkatalo namin.”

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round

Rainier Flor was also instrumental for UST with 11 points on nine attacks and two blocks. Gboy De Vega and Sherwin Umandal had eight points each, while setter Dux Yambao tossed 16 excellent sets on top of five points as libero Van Prudenciano tallied 11 digs and 11 excellent receptions.

“Salamat sa mga players kasi we went back to our drawing board para dun sa three-game losing streak namin, para ma-pinpoint at mapag-aralan mabuti kung paano kami magre-recover. I’m glad na yung mga bata nagbigay ng part nila during this game,” said UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape, speaking for Odjie Mamon.

UST assistant coach Ben Mape and Josh Ybañez after ending a three-game slump. #UAAPSeason86 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/zkad6fM02i

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 13, 2024

UST won its first two games but dropped the next three before keeping UP to its sixth straight loss with Louis Gamban carrying the Fighting Maroons with 13 points.

READ: UAAP volleyball: UST Golden Spikers deal NU Bulldogs rare loss

Meanwhile, John Gay and Paulo Paulino scored 16 points each as Adamson stunned Ateneo, 28-26, 25-22, 30-28.

Gay came out with  13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace on top of 13 excellent receptions, as Jude Aguilar added 10 points as the Falcons surpassed their two-win season last year.

“Ayun, syempre it’s a process kasi last year kasi wala kaming legit na setter eh. Tapos yung adaptation nung system last year medyo hindi pa ganun ka-solid ba. Pero at least kahit papaano, meron ng connection,” said Adamson coach George Pascua.

“Sabi ko nga sa mga players, kailangan mag-invest tayo nitong first round para kahit paano pagdating ng second round, eh medyo maganda-ganda. Target namin is top four, let’s see.”

Ateneo couldn’t sustain its momentum from its big win over UST last Saturday with Ken Batas leading the way with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks. Jian Salarzon chipped in 16 points, while Amil Pacinio had 12 markers and 14 excellent receptions in the loss.