Ateneo wins over UST, spoils UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez’s return from injury

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Ateneo scores a statement win in UAAP men's volleyball against streaking UST, which in turn welcomed back two-time reigning MVP Josh Ybañez after suffering a Grade II ankle sprain

MANILA, Philippines – In a matchup of two contending teams in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, the Ateneo Blue Eagles blasted the UST Golden Spikers, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, on Sunday, March 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo, which forced a two-way logjam at fourth place with La Salle at 3-2, was led by Kennedy Batas’ 21-point effort on 17 attacks, 3 aces, and a block.

He also added 10 excellent receptions as UST saw its four-game winning streak snapped, good for second-best in the league at 4-2.

“Every team we’ll face moving forward is a top team. All UAAP teams are strong and championship-caliber,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.

“That’s how we need to prepare for every game — regardless of their rank or even if they’re competing on the world stage. Our mindset should always be that we’re up against a top-tier opponent to ensure we don’t become complacent,” he added.

The Golden Spikers welcomed the return of two-time defending Most Valuable Player Josh Ybañez, who is still recovering from a Grade II ankle sprain. Walking with a slight limp, he was fielded in as a service specialist in the second set with UST trailing late 20-22, ultimately yielding the frame, 25-22.

Ateneo then surrendered the third set, before dropping the hammer in the fourth chapter to secure the victory, capped off by Pacinio’s down-the-line bomb.

Ybañez finished scoreless but with 3-of-4 excellent digs and 4-of-4 excellent receptions, as UST wanted to maintain the star spiker’s eligibility for season awards after already missing the previous four games.

Ybañez using ‘Schonny Winston rule’

Merely playing to maintain eligibility for an individual award has been done before, with La Salle men’s basketball’s Schonny Winston saving face his potential UAAP Season 85 MVP campaign with a four-second showing in a game against the NU Bulldogs in November 2022.

UP’s Malick Diouf, however, won the MVP that season after averaging 10.79 points, 10.86 rebounds, 2.86 assists, 1.57 blocks, and 1.5 steals.

“I’m happy that I was able to return to the court, but we lost, I think that’s a sign that we need to improve on many things,” Ybañez said in Filipino after the game.

UST head coach Odjie Mamon said that he will try and revert his star to his usual open hitter spot.

“Hopefully, he could hit already, but we’ll see. I’ll give a well-deserved rest for my players (on Monday),” explained the longtime coach in Filipino.

The Golden Spikers will have a one-week break before facing the top-seeded NU Bulldogs in a finals rematch on Sunday, March 16, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo, on the other hand, will renew its rivalry against La Salle on Wednesday, March 12, at the MOA Arena. – Rappler.com