Josh Ybañez left it all on the court on Friday night to help the University of Santo Tomas capture a hard-earned 26-24, 25-22, 35-37, 19-25, 22-20 win over Alpha Insurance.
Knowing that his days as an outside spiker with the Golden Spikers in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference are nearing their end, the two-time UAAP MVP feels determined to make the most of it.
The Alas Pilipinas Men will begin training for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games next week, which means Ybañez will once again shift back to his original position as libero for the national team.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Actually, next week mag-start na kami ng training. So I’m making the most of it sa spiking era ko and balik na kasi ulit ako sa pagiging libero,” Ybañez shared after the two-hour, 37-minute marathon match at the Paco Arena.
“Ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung time na pumapalo pa ako.”
Ybañez poured in 20 points, none more crucial than his final two spikes — both of which sealed the match for the Golden Spikers in the extended fifth set. He also anchored UST’s floor defense with 30 excellent receptions.
While UST improved to a 3-1 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus, Ybañez emphasized the importance of staying focused as they enter a tougher stretch of their schedule.
The Golden Spikers will next face the Criss Cross King Crunchers on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, before taking on the Cignal Super Spikers on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
“I think it’s better na mag-focus muna kami sa sarili namin kasi kapag focused kami at alam namin ‘yung ginagawa namin inside the court as a team, may laban naman kami lagi kahit sino man ang kalaban,” said Ybañez.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, and are also available via the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options. Fans can also catch the matches through spikersturf.ph.
