UNSTOPPABLE. University of Santo Tomas outside hitter Josh Ybañez (center) scores off San Beda University's Arnel Tolentino (No. 23) and Grek Alener Munsing during the 2023 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Friday (Sept. 15, 2023). Ybañez led UST to a 25-19, 25-17, 25-23 win with 17 kills and one service ace. (Photo courtesy of V-League)
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas defeated San Beda University, 25-19, 25-17, 25-23, to finish the elimination round with a 6-1 record in the 2023 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Friday.
Rey Miguel De Vega's spike and Trevor Valera's powerful block broke a 23-all deadlock in the third set as the Golden Spikers clinched the match after one hour and 20 minutes.
Outside hitter Josh Ybañez, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, had 17 kills and one service ace to lead UST to its sixth consecutive win.
De Vega chipped in eight points to go with 14 excellent receptions, while middle blocker Rainier Flor also had eight points, including three blocks and one service ace.
Setter Ennius Gwen Colinares, a replacement in the first set for team captain Dux Euan Yambao who sprained his ankle, had four blocks and made nine excellent digs.
Coach Odjie Mamon was still disappointed despite the victory.
"The players were not really focused. They were just playing and I allowed them to. It defeats the purpose of adding players to the core," he said.
Middle blocker Andrei Bakil was the best scorer for San Beda with five kills, three blocks and one service ace.
Arnel Tolentino made five attacks while Jerome Lopez, Ralhp Cabalsa, Justine Santos, Kevin Montemayor and Mohammad Tahiluddin scored three points each. (PNA)
