Ybanez stars anew as Golden Spikers clip Falcons

MANILA, Philippines – Another day, another explosive outing for reigning UAAP men's volleyball Most Valuable Player Josh Ybanez.

Ybanez registered 25 points to lead the way for the UST Golden Spikers against the gritty Adamson Soaring Falcons in four sets, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball action at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday. 

After collapsing late in the third set, UST was down by three, 13-16, in the fourth set. 

Back-to-back errors by John Gay gave the Espana-based squad a fighting chance, before Ybanez unleashed back-to-back-to-back attacks to give UST an 18-16 lead. 

Adamson then stormed back, taking the lead, 21-20. 

Gboy de Vega helped UST tie the game up at 22. 

After a Marc Paulino error, Ybanez punched in an off-speed attack to put the Golden Spikers to the match point, 24-22. 

De Vega had a service error on the next possession, but Ybanez powered through with the game-winner, 25-23. 

Ybanez had an all-around game for UST, as he also had 27 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs. 

De Vega chipped in 18 for the Golden Spikers, while Jay Rack de la Noche added 14.

Paulino had 16 points for Adamson. 

In the third set, UST looked primed to sweep the Soaring Falcons after going up 22-20.

Adamson then unleashed a 5-1 run to extend the match. 

In the first game, the National University Bulldogs returned to the win column after making quick work of the hapless University of the East Red Warriors, 25-13, 25-17, 25-22. 

Jade Disquitado had a game-high 16 markers for NU, while Leo Aringo added 15 points. 

Steven Aligayon led the way for UE, finishing with 12 points. 

UST rose to the coveted fourth spot with a 6-4 record, while Adamson dropped to 4-5.

NU climbed back to the top of the tournament with an 8-2 record. UE slipped to 1-8.