Ybañez, Avila Lead UST to Final Four, Topple Adamson in Four Sets

The University of Santo Tomas fired on all cylinders when it mattered most, securing its fourth consecutive Final Four berth with a 32-30, 18-25, 25-18, 25-17 victory over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.

Two-time MVP Josh Ybañez and substitute playmaker Joshua Avila delivered standout performances, guiding the Golden Spikers to an 8-4 record.

Ybañez was a force, finishing with 23 points—11 of which came in the crucial opening set—along with 26 excellent receptions and four excellent digs. Avila stepped up in the absence of team captain Dux Yambao, who sustained an injury scare in the first set. The playmaker tallied 33 excellent sets and added two points in UST's eighth win in 12 matches.

“Of course, I rely on my core players, but when someone isn’t performing, I know I can trust my bench. They stepped up today,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon. “The second set was on me. I adjusted our positioning and match-ups right away. Once we made that adjustment, we controlled the game from the third set onward.”

With the win, UST joins league leaders Far Eastern University and defending champions National University in the Final Four, leaving rivals Ateneo and La Salle to fight for the final spot.

After a marathon first set and a lackluster second, UST found its rhythm in the third. They built a solid 16-9 lead, and consecutive attacks from Ybañez, Trevor Valera, and Gboy de Vega sealed a 2-1 sets lead.

The momentum carried over into the fourth set as UST raced to a commanding 7-1 start, leaving Adamson with too much ground to cover. Back-to-back kills from De Vega, along with a block by Valera on Lance Flestado and the match-clinching attack, wrapped up the victory for UST in one hour and 41 minutes.

De Vega also made a significant contribution off the bench with 16 points, including 12 attacks, three aces, and one block, along with nine excellent receptions. Vryvin Catinsag added 11 points, while rookie Joncriz Ayco contributed 10 points. Edriel Alabar anchored the defense with 16 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.

Next, UST will face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

On the other hand, Adamson suffered its fifth straight loss, dropping to last place with a 2-10 record. The Soaring Falcons will look to bounce back against Far Eastern University next Saturday, April 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Richard Besorio led Adamson’s efforts with 18 points, including 17 attacks and one ace, alongside 16 excellent receptions and two excellent digs. Maruel Tan added 10 points and four excellent digs.