With the Final Four race heating up, University of Santo Tomas’ Josh Ybañez is making sure the Growling Tigers aren’t just in the conversation—they’re pushing forward with purpose.
In a pivotal stretch of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, the two-time reigning MVP delivered when it mattered most, leading UST with poise, power, and consistency.
Ybañez outshone fellow MVP contenders and potential Final Four rivals this week, earning recognition as the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week for April 2 to 6.
Not even a two-week layoff due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain earlier in the season could slow Ybañez down.
The 5-foot-7 Alas Pilipinas standout is now in the thick of a three-game win streak, once again showcasing his MVP-caliber form.
Ybañez led the Growling Tigers in back-to-back straight-set victories over Adamson and Ateneo.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
He fired 13 points and tallied nine receptions in UST’s 25-12, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of the Soaring Falcons, then erupted for 24 points, nine receptions, and five digs in a statement 26-24, 25-17, 25-22 triumph over MVP frontrunner Kennedy Batas and the Blue Eagles.
Despite being undersized, Ybañez continues to prove that sheer determination and passion for the sport can overcome any physical limitations.
“Lagi ko lang iniisip na once na nasa loob ako ng court, I have to do something, na makapag-contribute ako nang marami sa team in all aspects, not just sa attacking pero sa dig, receive, and maraming department ng volleyball especially sa block kasi du’n ako mahina,” said Ybañez.
The UST star edged out a strong cast of weekly contenders that included his team captain Dux Yumbao, La Salle’s duo of Noel Kampton and Eco Adajar, FEU’s Dryx Saavedra, and NU’s Greg Ancheta.
