UAAP: UST snaps La Salle’s four-game win streak; Ateneo beats Adamson in men’s volleyball

The University of Santo Tomas defeated De La Salle University, 25-18, 30-28, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, snapping the Green Spikers’ four-game winning streak.

The victory also returned the Golden Spikers to the win column after back-to-back losses.

Birthday celebrant Josh Ybañez delivered 23 points built on 16 attacks, three aces, and four blocks, along with nine receptions. Al-Bukharie Sali added 10 points as UST improved to 6-3.

“Throughout his career, talagang ‘yung tiwala ko naman kay Josh, nandiyan. Converted siya to libero bago pa siya bumalik sa puwesto niya, kaya may tiwala kami sa kanya. I can say para rin kay Sali na ‘yung reintegration niya sa team, it’s been good kahit hindi pa ganon kataas ‘yung percentage na gusto namin,” Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said about Ybañez.

Eugene Gloria posted 16 points and 13 receptions, while Emman Hernandez contributed 10 points, 15 receptions, and 11 digs as La Salle dropped to 4-5.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University defeated Adamson University, 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 25-20.

Kennedy Batas led the Blue Eagles with 24 points and 15 receptions, while Amil Pacinio Jr. added 18 points. Jian Salarzon chipped in 11 points and 11 receptions.

For Adamson, Leo Coguimbal finished with 15 points, while Maruel Iverson Tan had 14. Richard Besorio added 13 points.

Ateneo improved to 5-4, while Adamson fell to 2-7.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News