CANDON, Ilocos Sur — One day before the start of the 2026 Southeast Asian V Cup at the Candon City Arena here, the status of Alas Pilipinas star libero Josh Ybañez was uncertain after he sustained an ankle sprain.
The 5-foot-7 defensive specialist, who plays as an outside hitter for the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP, revealed the injury on his Instagram account on Tuesday.
Four hours later, however, he reassured fans with a post on social media: “Guys wag OA ilalaban ko to!”
And he did exactly that.
Ybañez turned in a dazzling performance despite the Philippines absorbing a 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 8-15 loss to Cambodia in the opening match of its Pool A campaign in the tournament hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee on Wednesday.
He was the only player listed as a libero, while Vennie Ceballos and Vince Lorenzo were deployed as a service specialist and defensive specialist, respectively.
“Thank you sa Advil nilaban niya ko. Thank you sa pain killer,” said the 2025 SEA V.League Leg 2 Best Libero after the match.
“Actually naka-mindset na ako before pa lang this competition and ayun, sabi ko na mild sprain lang naman, actually masakit siya pero iba pa rin talaga pag — nawawala siya pag laro… Ayun nilaban ko lang talaga.”
Ybañez also tipped his hat to Cambodia, whose improvement was on full display in just its second year competing in the regional tournament.
In its debut campaign last year, Cambodia went a combined 0-8 across the two SEA V.League legs, with the Philippines defeating it in five sets in the first leg and four sets in the second.
“Ang masasabi ko, competitive naman talaga lahat ng teams, even yung Cambodia. Kudos sa naging performance nila ngayon,” said Ybañez, a three-time UAAP MVP.
“Maraming factor kung bakit kami natalo, and i-credit na lang namin sa kanila maganda talaga nilaro nila.”
Voeurn Veasna proved to be the biggest thorn in the side of the Nationals, pouring in 33 points built on 28 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
The Philippines also hurt its own cause by surrendering 46 free points to Cambodia through unforced errors.
