University of Santo Tomas eliminated University of the East from postseason contention with a 22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23 victory, boosting its Final Four aspirations in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
After stumbling in the first set, the Golden Spikers rallied behind two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who produced 25 points on 21-of-39 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, alongside six excellent receptions and five excellent digs. His performance powered UST to take the next three frames and move closer to a fourth consecutive Final Four appearance.
Still holding solo third place with a 7-4 win-loss record, UST can clinch a Final Four berth if Ateneo de Manila University defeats De La Salle University and if the Golden Spikers secure a win against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons. Both matches are scheduled for Saturday, April 11, at the Filoil Centre.
UST head coach Odjie Mamon expressed frustration over the team’s first-set performance.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Definitely not kasi dapat yung mastery namin over our playing style or our system, especially on defense, pulido na… Frustrating talaga itong match na ito, but it also served its purpose na na-highlight yung dapat i-correct namin. Kung may natutunan naman, it’s a game,” Mamon said.
After a clinical second-set performance, the Golden Spikers recovered from an early four-point deficit in the third frame, ultimately seizing a crucial 2-1 set lead behind a Ybañez attack, a Joncriz Ayco crosscourt hit, and a Vryvin Catinsag block.
UST seemed poised for a comfortable victory in the fourth set after a Ybañez off-the-block hit gave them a 21-18 cushion. However, UE rallied with four straight points—including a Roy Piojo backrow hit and an Ybañez attack error—to take a 22-21 lead.
The Golden Spikers, however, maintained their composure in the clutch, responding with a 4-1 run built on an Isaiah Roca service error, an Xjhann Camaymayan net touch, an Ybañez offspeed hit, and a Raquim Aceron service error, securing a hard-fought win in one hour and 49 minutes.
Ayco contributed 12 points on 11 attacks, while middle blocker Trevor Valera added 11 points. With team captain and starting setter Dux Yambao struggling, Joshua Avila stepped up, delivering 19 excellent sets and adding three points on two attacks and one block.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the Red Warriors, their quest for an elusive Final Four spot ended, dropping to a 2-9 record with three games remaining in the eliminations.
Aceron led UE with 17 points on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with 22 excellent receptions and five excellent digs. Piojo added 13 points, eight excellent receptions, and three excellent digs. Camaymayan contributed seven points on four blocks and three attacks, while Roca chipped in six points and four excellent digs.
The Red Warriors aim to bounce back against the National University Bulldogs next Sunday, April 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
