Josh Ybanez rallied University of Sto. Tomas from a 0-2 deficit en route to a five-set win over Far Eastern University in the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena last Wednesday.
Ybanez hammered the differential hits in the final frame and finished with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks on top of eight excellent digs in the 19-25, 24-26, 25-21, 27-25, 15-13 victory over the Tamaraws that helped them clinch a semifinals berth.
The rookie outside hitter deflected the credit to the Tiger Spikers’ coaching staff that includes assistant coaches Benjamin Mape, Jao Umandal, and Mark Alfafara, just to name a few.
“Parang isa sa mga naging factor na nakatulong sa akin is yung pakikinig lang sa coaches,” said Ybanez after the win.
“Tiwala sa coach at tiwala sa sarili kasi nung first and second set parang hindi namin pinapakinggan yung nakikita ng mga coach pero pagdating nung third set hanggang fifth mas pinili naming pagkatiwalaan sila kasi alam namin na sila yung nakakakita kung ano yung mga maling ginagawa namin sa court,” he continued.
Ybanez also said that the players’ trust in one another played a pivotal role in the emotional comeback.
“Inisip lang talaga namin na kalimutan yung nangyari ng first and second set. Talagang mas makikinig kami sa coach sa remaining sets saka nag-tiwala talaga kami sa isa’t isa,” he said.
UST will face Ateneo de Manila University on November 23, Wednesday at 5:00 PM in the semifinals.
