UAAP: UST, Ateneo break through in men’s volleyball

The University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University secured their first victories in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UST defeated De La Salle University, 25-23, 25-22, 15-25, 25-19, behind a 22-point performance from Josh Ybañez, who tallied 21 attacks and one block. JJ Macam and Trevor Valera added nine points apiece for the Growling Tigers.

Issa Ousseini scored 16 points, while Chris Hernandez contributed 15 for the Green Spikers.

UST improved to 1-1, while La Salle dropped to 0-2.

Meanwhile, Ateneo overcame UP, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18.

The Blue Eagles withstood a 30-point explosion from Olayemi Raheem, as Jian Salarzon led Ateneo with 19 points built on 16 attacks, two aces, and a block, along with 10 receptions.

Amil Pacinio Jr. added 13 points, while Kennedy Batas and Childlebere Okeke chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Both Ateneo and UP now hold 1-1 records.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News