UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas eliminated University of the East (UE) from postseason contention with a 22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23 victory, boosting its Final Four aspirations in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
After stumbling in the first set, the Golden Spikers rallied behind two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who produced 25 points on 21-of-39 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, alongside six excellent receptions and five excellent digs. His performance powered UST to take the next three frames and move closer to a fourth consecutive Final Four appearance.
Still holding solo third place with a 7-4 win-loss record, UST can clinch a Final Four berth if Ateneo defeats La Salle and if the Golden Spikers secure a win against the Adamson.
After a clinical second-set performance, the Golden Spikers recovered from an early four-point deficit in the third frame, ultimately seizing a crucial 2-1 set lead behind a Ybañez attack, a Joncriz Ayco crosscourt hit, and a Vryvin Catinsag block.
UST seemed poised for a comfortable victory in the fourth set after a Ybañez off-the-block hit gave them a 21-18 cushion. However, UE rallied with four straight points — including a Roy Piojo backrow hit and an Ybañez attack error — to take a 22-21 lead.
The Golden Spikers, however, maintained their composure in the clutch, responding with a 4-1 run built on an Isaiah Roca service error, an Xjhann Camaymayan net touch, an Ybañez offspeed hit, and a Raquim Aceron service error, securing a hard-fought win.
Ayco contributed 12 points on 11 attacks, while middle blocker Trevor Valera added 11 points. Joshua Avila delivered 19 excellent sets and adding three points.
For the Red Warriors, their quest for an elusive Final Four spot ended, dropping to a 2-9 record with three games remaining in the eliminations.