The UST Golden Spikers saw their Finals hopes slip away after a straight-sets loss to the NU Bulldogs, 21-25, 28-30, 19-25, in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
For Josh Ybañez, the defeat hit deeper than the scoreboard.
The presumptive MVP of the season—the three-time MVP—admitted he was left frustrated with his performance in the most crucial game of their campaign. Ybañez was limited to just nine points on 7-of-26 spiking, though he still contributed on defense with 16 excellent receptions.
“Actually, hindi ko naman siya tine-take talaga kung ano ‘yung natanggap ko, pero now sa pinakita ko, to be honest, I really don’t feel na… Sobrang hate ko lang kasi kung kailan ako pinaka kailangan, doon ako wala,” Ybañez said postgame.
The loss extended UST’s title drought to 15 years, with its last championship coming back in Season 73 (2011), and marked the Golden Spikers’ second straight bronze-medal finish.
Josh Ybañez Acknowledges Tough Challenge
Ybañez, who had erupted for 27 and 21 points in their previous meetings against NU, struggled to find his rhythm as the Bulldogs’ defense—led by Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, and Jade Disquitado—zeroed in on him.
He admitted that the challenge was not just physical, but mental as well.
“Siguro ayun nga, binantayan nila ako, pero ewan ko kung ano nangyari. Hindi ko talaga maintindihan kasi parang sobrang open ako masyado sa teammates ko nung timeout. Bago pa lang mag-start [yung game], sobrang pinagduduhan ko na ‘yung sarili ko at sobrang nahirapan na akong bumalik,” he shared.
“Nung nasa court na ako, tinatry ko siyang labanan and iniisip ko talaga na kaya ko ito. Pero ewan ko, hindi ako nagka-momentum at hindi talaga lahat. Ewan ko ba. Wala talaga.”
Amid the disappointment, teammate Gboy de Vega offered support, emphasizing that even the league’s brightest stars—and that’s exactly what Josh Ybañez is—are bound to have off days.
“I say he deserves it, it’s just that very bad day today. I think it will mold him to be a better person and a better player for the next,” De Vega said.
