UAAP: UST star Josh Ybañez returns but still far from top form

UST star Josh Ybañez returns after being sidelined by an ankle injury for four games.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —  After missing four games due to an ankle injury, two-time MVP Josh Ybañez made a brief return for University of Santo Tomas in a loss to Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.

Ybañez saw action in three sets as a service specialist but the Golden Spikers saw their four-game winning streak snapped by the Blue Eaglies, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ybañez, who sustained a Grade 2 right ankle sprain in their season-opening loss to FEU last February 15, said he’s still getting a feel inside the court as he continues to work his way to full recovery.

READ: UAAP: Ateneo snaps UST streak in men’s volleyball

UST coach Odjie Mamon on their tough loss. Josh Ybañez on his brief comeback. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/QNPGMvtr4H

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 9, 2025

“I’m happy because I got back into the game, but we lost. I think that’s a sign that we still have a lot to improve on and focus on in training. We’ll give credit to Ateneo, they played really well,” said Ybañez, who had three digs and four excellent receptions.

“Right now, we’re just pushing through. I’m getting back into my rhythm. I just got back to jumping a bit yesterday. As long as I can, I’ll keep going,” he added.

UST coach Odjie Mamon hopes Ybañez will be ready to play a bigger role when they take on defending champion National University to end their first round campaign.

READ: Josh Ybañez not taking Alas Pilipinas experience for granted

“Hopefully, he’ll be able to hit better next time. Of course, we’ll have to see,” Mamon said. “We still need to observe things. I really pushed him to join today. There was even some resistance on my part, but we need him back. He hasn’t played for four games, he needs to get back into the groove. That’s my goal.”

As UST slid to a 4-2 record, Ybañez hopes to get back to his old self in time for the big clash with NU next week.

“Earlier, I think we forgot to have fun. In the last four games, everything seemed so easy. Everyone was moving well and playing great. But today, it felt like the tables turned. Our goal was to have a strong serve and solid passes, but it felt like the opposite happened. Ateneo’s confidence grew while we struggled with our serves. We were too serious and didn’t enjoy the game as much,” Ybañez said.