University of Santo Tomas shrugged off the absence of reigning MVP Josh Ybanez, dominating University of the East with a 25-17, 25-18, 25-19 sweep to secure its first win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Ybanez had twisted his right ankle in UST’s four-set loss to Far Eastern University last weekend. He was present at the venue but seen on crutches.
Despite missing their two-time UAAP MVP, the trio of Gboy de Vega, Jayrack de la Noche, and JJ Macam stepped up, handing UE its ninth straight defeat dating back to Season 86.
The Red Warriors last won a UAAP men’s volleyball match on March 17, 2024, when they edged the UP Fighting Maroons in five sets.
“I stand by my statement that I have the best lineup this season. Anyone can step up for us. I’m happy they bounced back from our previous loss. Very satisfied ako with today’s performance,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE stayed within striking distance in the third set, closing the gap to 19-16 behind Axel Defeo and Roy Piojo.
However, Macam’s off-the-block hit, a crosscourt attack from Al-Bukharie Sali, and a backrow kill from De Vega extended UST’s lead to 22-17.
Two attack errors from UE and a quick hit from Poy Colinares eventually sealed the Golden Spikers’ first victory of the season.
UST also pulled away late in the second set, turning a slim 14-13 lead into a commanding 21-14 advantage with a 7-1 run before closing out the frame.
The Golden Spikers wasted no time asserting their dominance, overpowering the Warriors with a 17-5 edge in attacks in the opening set.
Despite committing 27 errors in the one-hour-and-seven-minute contest, UST’s firepower was on full display, outgunning UE 51-20 in total attacks.
Macam, a rookie from the UE high school program, led the charge with 14 points — built on 12 attacks and two blocks — while also recording six excellent receptions.
De la Noche contributed 12 points off 11 attacks and a block, along with one excellent dig.
Colinares finished with 11 points, tallying eight attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while De Vega and Trevor Valera chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively.
Team captain Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets, while rookie Edriel Alabar added six excellent digs.
UST now looks to build momentum when they take on De La Salle University on Wednesday, February 26, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For UE, Piojo was the lone double-digit scorer, delivering 13 points off 11 attacks and two blocks.
Andre Bicar, the younger brother of Chery Tiggo setter Alina Bicar, recorded eight excellent sets and three excellent digs for the Red Warriors.
UE will aim for their first win against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on the same day at the same venue.
