De La Salle University spoiled Josh Ybañez’s return from national team duties, fashioning a thrilling five-set victory over the University of Santo Tomas, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, and completing a preliminary round sweep of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
With the Golden Spikers led by standout Ybañez and Trevor Valera breathing down their necks, Rui Ventura and Eugene Gloria guided the Green Spikers to victory after two hours and 14 minutes. Ventura delivered the kill that gave De La Salle a 13-9 cushion, while Gloria sealed the sweep with a backrow kill.
As the top seeds, De La Salle (7-0) will face fourth-ranked Ateneo de Manila University (4-3) in the best-of-three semifinals starting Wednesday at the same San Juan venue.
“Gaya ng mga previous games namin, we're getting there pero gaya rin ng minemention ko every interview, siguro we have to really focus do'n sa solidarity ng team. And at the same time, do'n sa skills nila and be more consistent,” said head coach Jose Roque.
“May mga lapses so 'yun talaga 'yung kailangan naming patibayin. Not to be perfect, but to be better lang than the previous games."
Issa Ousseini led the charge for De La Salle with 20 points off 13 attacks and seven blocks, while Ventura came off the bench to provide an additional offensive threat, finishing with 18 markers.
Gloria delivered a rousing two-way performance with 17 attacks, seven digs, and 16 excellent receptions.
Fresh from his World Championships stint, Ybañez kept UST in the fight, especially in the fourth-set turnaround, channeling his national team libero experience with two crucial saves that led to transition kills from GBoy De Vega.
Ybañez finished with 13 points on 11 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while De Vega and Valera added 12 markers each. The Golden Spikers’ 34 errors, however, came at inopportune moments, keeping them on the back foot for much of the match.
UST (5-2) will face reigning champion FEU (4-3) in the other semifinal for the right to challenge the winner of the De La Salle–Ateneo series in the Finals.
