Josh Ybañez has dominated the UAAP Men’s Volleyball scene in his first two seasons, clinching the Most Valuable Player award both times.
However, a third consecutive MVP title now seems out of reach, as University of Santo Tomas star missed four games in the first round due to an ankle sprain.
His absence opened the door for Ateneo de Manila University’s Kennedy Batas to take the lead in the MVP race after the first round. Batas has amassed 160.370 statistical points (SPs). Batas ranked first in total points (142), fourth in spiking efficiency (45.52%), fourth in service aces (0.37 per set), and eighth in digs (1.44 per set).
In their highly anticipated second-round meeting, Ybañez had nothing but praise for Batas after the Golden Spikers swept the Blue Eagles, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22, on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Wala akong masabi doon, Kennedy is Kennedy,” said Ybañez.
“Happy ako for him sobra kasi parang itinatayo namin ‘yung bandera ng mga kabaklaan. Parang ang korona ng mga kagaya namin,” added the two-time MVP from General Santos City.
“That only means na competitive din kami, barako rin kami inside the court.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
It was a duel of top-tier talent as Ybañez spearheaded UST with 24 points off 20 attacks (20-of-33), along with three service aces and a block.
Batas, on the other hand, led Ateneo with 20 points from 19 spikes and a block, while also tallying eight excellent receptions.
Back in the first round, Ybañez played a limited role as a service specialist in UST’s four-set loss to Ateneo (20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25), as it was his first game back from injury.
Ironically, that experience may have contributed to UST’s dominant second-round win. Being on the sidelines gave Ybañez a different perspective on Ateneo’s style of play.
“Actually nung first round, resistant talaga ako maglaro noon, ginawa niya lang pinag-serve ako para ma-reintroduce sa court. Happy ako that time na kahit nasa labas ako, at least may chance ako ma-observe ang kalaban — preparation sa kung anong nangyari ngayon sa second round,” shared Ybañez.
