Josh Ybañez made a promise to Filipino volleyball fans on the eve of the 2026 SEA Men’s V.League—and he kept it.
After revealing on Instagram that he had suffered a sprained ankle just a day before the tournament opener, Ybañez’s availability for Alas Pilipinas’ first match was suddenly in doubt.
The 5‑foot‑7 defensive specialist, who stars as an outside hitter for the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP, quickly eased concerns with a short but reassuring message on social media: “Guys wag OA, ilalaban ko ’to!”
Less than a day later, Josh Ybañez was back on the court, suiting up as the Philippines’ lone libero in its Pool A opener against Cambodia at the Candon City Arena.
Although Alas Pilipinas absorbed a heartbreaking 23‑25, 30‑28, 20‑25, 25‑22, 8‑15 defeat, Ybañez never let the injury keep him off the floor.
Josh Ybañez Is Playing Through Pain
After the match, the reigning SEA Men’s V.League Leg 2 Best Libero admitted that painkillers helped him push through.
“Thank you sa Advil. Nilaban niya ako. Thank you sa pain killer.”
Still, Ybañez said his mindset never changed despite the injury.
“Actually, naka‑mindset na ako before pa lang nitong competition. Sabi ko, mild sprain lang naman. Masakit siya, pero iba pa rin talaga pag laro. Parang nawawala siya. Nilaban ko lang talaga.”
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
Josh Ybañez also praised Cambodia, which earned its first‑ever victory in the tournament after going winless in both legs of last year’s competition.
“Ang masasabi ko, competitive naman talaga lahat ng teams, even ’yung Cambodia. Kudos sa naging performance nila ngayon.”
“Maraming factor kung bakit kami natalo, and credit na lang talaga sa kanila. Maganda talaga nilaro nila.”
Cambodia was powered by Voeurn Veasna, who erupted for 33 points on 28 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces.
The Philippines, meanwhile, was haunted by its own mistakes, surrendering 46 points off unforced errors in the five‑set loss.
