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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider UST strikes back at NU to set up playoff for semis edge; FEU beats F4 rival Ateneo

UST strikes back at NU to set up playoff for semis edge; FEU beats F4 rival Ateneo

Published Apr 22, 2026 02:20 pm

At A Glance

  • University of Santo Tomas stretched its hot streak to four games as it exacted its revenge on reigning champion National University, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, to forge a playoff for a Final Four edge in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate men's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 22.
Josh Ybañez helps UST keep its Final Four edge bid alive. (UAAP Media)
Josh Ybañez helps UST keep its Final Four edge bid alive. (UAAP Media)
University of Santo Tomas stretched its hot streak to four games as it exacted its revenge on reigning champion National University, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, to forge a playoff for a Final Four edge in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, April 22.
After a tightly contested opening set, the Golden Spikers took control in the second before dropping the third, then bounced back in the fourth where Josh Ybañez and Sherwin Umandal powered them past an early 6-13 deficit en route to completing the come-from-behind set win over the gritty Bulldogs.
Aside from avenging its first-round loss to the four-peat seeking NU to score its fourth straight win, UST improved to a 10-4 record to draw level with the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored crew, forcing a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage between the two teams.
Their battle for No. 2 spot is set this Saturday, April 25, with its venue set to be announced soon.
“Sabi ko last time we would do the things we can control… ni-remind ko sila na wag nilang i-pressure ‘yong sarili nila” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon. “Hopefully, as I’ve as seen it the players… sana matutunan nilang manalo laban sa NU palagi.”
Ybañez, league’s two-time Most Valuable Player, took charge on both ends once again after posting 24 points from all attacks, six excellent digs, and 25 excellent receptions, while Umandal scored five points.
“Bago kami naghiwalay-hiwalay sa court, nag-huddle kami, ni-remind ko lang ‘yong mga teammates na we still have [chance] to play and to win against NU, na walang imposible, kaya namin na matalo ‘yong NU,” said Ybañez.
Trevor Valera backed the Alas Pilipinas star with 18 points, while Joncriz Ayco and Gboy De Vega added 10 and eight points, respectively, for UST. Dux Yambao, as expected, delivered another superb playmaking off 28 excellent sets that came with two points and one dig.
Alas members Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin paced NU with 17 and 15 points, respectively, with the latter also contributing 21 receptions. Obed Mukaba scored 16, while Jade Disquitado had 10 points which all went for naught.
Meanwhile, league-leading Far Eastern University withstood a gallant stand from its semifinal rival Ateneo, 29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 25-19, to go five in a row heading into their Final Four collision.
After rallying in the first two frames, the Tamaraws wavered in the third, but recovered in time with Mikko Espartero, Lirick Mendoza, and Dryx Saavedra orchestrating an 18-11 blitz that capped off by Amet Bituin’s plays in the latter part of the fourth frame to shut down the Blue Eagles’ final hurrah.
FEU, which concluded the elimination at No. 1 seed with a 13-1 card in its title redemption campaign this year, battles Ateneo (7-7) in the semis where it holds the advantage.

Related Tags

UST Golden Spikers UAAP Season 88 NU Bulldogs FEU Tamaraws Ateneo Blue Eagles
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