With a healthy Josh Ybañez returning to his spiker role for the University of Santo Tomas, expectations are high for the Golden Spikers’ UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball campaign.
But their start was far from ideal, as UST was swept by the ‘six-peat’-seeking National University Bulldogs, 22-25, 27-29, 19-25, in a tough opener on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ybañez, who played libero throughout the UAAP offseason for Alas Pilipinas, shared that while he has physically adjusted well to his natural position, there is still work to be done on the mental side.
“Okay naman na ako physically, we have the best strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, and the best coaching staff para i-guide kami all throughout this season,” said the two-time UAAP MVP.
“I think the problem is us… Kung paano yung mindset namin kasi minsan talaga parang nilalamon kami ng emosyon namin during the game and parang di na kami nakakapag-isip ng maayos.”
Ybañez, who won his first UAAP MVP award in his rookie year, was limited to just eight points on 7-of-24 attacks as the NU defense stood firm, not allowing a single UST player to reach double digits.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Head coach Odjie Mamon echoed his star player’s observations, noting that the Golden Spikers had numerous chances—especially in the extended second set—but the Bulldogs displayed the poise and composure to pull through.
“Definitely (mental lapse talaga). Game one may jitters yan and inexperience ng mga bago then yung championship experience ng kalaban namin,” said the long-time UST mentor.
“I think twice kami nag set point nung second set pero narereverse nila yung sitwasyon. Kudos sa NU pero proud din ako sa mga players namin kasi step up sila kahit marami nang errors kaya pa rin namang bumalik and be competitive pa rin.”
UST will look to bounce back next Sunday against De La Salle University, which also lost in straight sets in its opener against Far Eastern University.
Ybañez said that for the Golden Spikers to succeed, they need to follow their game plan and listen to their coaches closely.
“Laging tinatatak sa amin to be patient inside the court, hindi siya natatranslate pag naglalaro kasi parang ang will lang namin ang masusunod which is mali talaga,” the 22-year-old spiker from General Santos City said.
“I hope next game we try to be patient talaga, hindi puwedeng matapos sa isang paluan, isang puntos, kahit ilang try pa ’yan, gagawan namin ng paraan.”
#WATCH: REGAINING FORM 🐯
Josh Ybanez sees no problem in his return to a spiker role for UST in #UAAPSeason88, stressing that the Golden Spikers need to be more mentally strong the rest of the way 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/xgvd2ITsma
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/pNdUYwihpU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 15, 2026
