After missing the past four games, Josh Ybañez made his return to the UAAP Men’s Volleyball court on Sunday, albeit in a limited role.
The back-to-back UAAP MVP was primarily utilized as a service specialist in a few sequences as University of Santo Tomas fell to Ateneo de Manila University, 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ybañez had been sidelined due to a Grade 2 right ankle sprain he suffered on opening day against the FEU Tamaraws.
Despite his absence, the Golden Spikers went undefeated in their past four matches, securing victories over the University of the East, Adamson University, De La Salle University, and the University of the Philippines.
However, according to head coach Odjie Mamon, Ybañez’s service specialist role might be a one-time adjustment.
UST’s next game is scheduled for March 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum — a Finals rematch against defending champion National University.
“Just for this match. Hopefully, by the next game, he can already hit,” Mamon said when asked how long Ybañez would remain in a limited role.
“Pero siyempre, titingnan namin. Well-deserved rest siguro tomorrow yung mga players kasi mula nung nag-start, wala kaming hinto. I will give them Monday off, and if possible, even Tuesday. Pero definitely, nagpe-prepare kami para sa last game ng first round, yung NU.”
Ybañez’s brief appearance against Ateneo also ensured his eligibility for individual awards, which require players to compete in at least 10 games during the elimination round.
However, for the pride of General Santos City, his main concern is regaining full health to contribute once again to the Golden Spikers.
“Masaya ako kasi nakabalik ako sa laro, pero ayun nga, natalo kami. So I think that’s a sign na marami pa kaming kailangang i-improve at tutukan sa training. Bibigay po namin yung credit sa Ateneo, maganda po yung laro nila,” said Ybañez.
“Siguro ang main goal ko is maging healthy at maka-recover nang mabilis para at least, ‘pag isinalang ako ni coach next game, makakatulong ako.”
