INJURED. University of Santo Tomas player Josh Ybañez (No. 13) gets medical treatment after hurting his left ankle during the match against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 13, 2024). The Golden Spikers won, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – University of Sto. Tomas bounced back from a three-game skid on Wednesday, beating University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Josh Ybañez finished with 18 attacks, two blocks and one ace despite hurting his left ankle late in the second set. He also had 11 excellent receptions and six excellent digs in the one-hour, seven-minute match.
Rainier Flor chipped in nine spikes and two blocks while Rey Miguel De Vega and Sherwin John Umandal added eight points each for UST, which notched its third win after losing to De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and Ateneo de Manila University.
Skipper Dax Euan Yambao made five points and 16 excellent sets, while Van Tracy Prudenciado had 11 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
“Thanks to the players because we went back to the drawing board for our three-game losing streak, to pinpoint and study well how we will recover. I'm glad that they gave their part during this game," UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape said.
Louis Gamban scored 13 points while Angelo Lipata and Jessie Roland Rubin contributed eight and seven points, respectively, for the Fighting Maroons, who are winless in six matches.
Meanwhile, UST will face Adamson University at noon on Saturday, while UP will meet University of the East at noon on Sunday. Both games will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (PNA)
