UAAP: Ybañez powers UST in five-set win over Adamson

UST’s Josh Ybañez. Photo from UAAP Media

MANILA — University of Sto. Tomas has won two straight games and ended the first round above .500.

The Golden Spikers escaped Adamson University, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, all thanks to Josh Ybañez’ stellar game.

The reigning MVP had 24 points, 26 receptions, and six digs as they improved to 4-3 in the standings, while Gboy De Vega finished with 20 markers, 20 receptions, and four digs.

Also working out for UST was their 70-53 advantage in attack points, and this was enough for them to overcome their 36 errors.

With both teams tied at 2 sets apiece, Adamson started the final canto two-to-nothing following their victory in the fourth set. 

Ybañez, Paul Colinares, and De Vega then answered with their own run and powered UST to a seven-to-two run to overtake the Soaring Falcons.

A vicious hit from Ybañez from the back row in the next plays extended the Golden Spikers’ lead to five, 13-8, but an attack from John Gay and an error from UST allowed Adamson to get within three, 13-10.

Unfortunately for AdU, consecutive errors from them eventually resulted in their demise. 

Earlier in the game, after already holding a 2-1 lead over Adamson, the Golden Spikers were poised to end the game as they were up, 21-19.

Gay, however, refused to give in and spearheaded an Adamson run that allowed them to take the lead, 23-22.

De Vega’s hit allowed the España spikers to tie the game at 23, but an attack from Gay and an error from De Vega eventually ended the fourth and extended the game.

Leading the San Marcelino spikers was Francis Casas who had 15 points, and helping him was Gay who finished with 14 markers and 14 receptions. 

Meanwhile for Adamson, they now hold a 3-4 record as the league enters its short break.