UST ace Josh Ybañez is back in action after suffering an ankle sprain early into the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Josh Ybañez has finally returned to action for the UST Golden Spikers for the first time since suffering a Grade 2 ankle sprain in their UAAP Season 87 opener last February 15 against the FEU Tamaraws.
The star outside hitter was inserted midway through Set 2 in UST’s 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25 loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles over the weekend, finishing with three excellent digs and four excellent receptions as a service specialist off the Golden Spikers’ bench.
“Masaya ako kasi nakabalik ako sa laro pero ‘yun nga, natalo kami so I think that’s a sign na marami pa kaming kailangan i-improve at tutukan sa training. Bibigyan na rin po namin ng credit sa Ateneo, maganda rin po talaga ‘yung nilaro nila,” Ybañez said post-game.
“Ngayon naman, tinatyaga ko lang po sa [rehab] ko and ayun, kababalik ko lang ng talon-talon onti kahapon [Saturday] and hangga’t sa kaya ko gagawin ko,” he added.
Ybañez was actually hesitant to play against the Eagles according to head coach Odjie Mamon, as he wanted to prioritize his full recovery. However, the longtime UST coach also pointed out his star hitter’s need to get re-acquainted with in-game situations following the injury.
Mamon hopes Ybañez will resume scoring duties in their finals rematch against the NU Bulldogs this March 16. But understandably, he and the coaching staff are still taking extra caution regarding the Alas Pilipinas stalwart’s current condition.
“Kailangan pa namin i-observe, kasi kahapon lang ‘to nag-bola eh and pinilit ko lang na isama dito to re-introduce the court to Josh. Actually may resistance pa nga on his part, kaya lang kailangan na talaga namin siya,” Mamon said.
“Kasi apat na games na siya hindi naka-lineup, so kahit hindi siya full playing, kailangan na makabalik siya and that’s my goal. Ang goal niya is to be healthy and then ang goal ko naman is to re-introduce the volleyball court to him.”
True to his coach’s statements, Ybañez added, “Siguro ang main goal ko is maging healthy and maka-recover nang maayos para at least pag isasalang ako ni coach next game, makatulong ako sa kanila.”
Finals rematch against NU
As mentioned, up next for the UST Golden Spikers will be a rematch against defending champs NU to cap off Round 1 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
After the wake-up call against Ateneo, Ybañez emphasized his team’s need to rediscover their “enjoyment” heading into the marquee matchup, which was crucial to their four-game winning streak amid his recovery from the ankle sprain.
“Kanina, parang sa evaluation ko, nakalimutan nilang mag-enjoy. Kasi sa four previous games, sobrang gaan nilang tignan, as in lahat gumagalaw and lahat maganda nilalaro,” Ybañez shared.
Rookie outside hitter JJ Macam has stepped up in Ybañez’s absence along with middle blocker Paul Colinares, while former beach volleyball ace Alche Gupiteo has been showing signs of his potential. Old reliables, such as Jay Rack De La Noche, have also held down the fort for UST.
“And siguro kanina din, parang nakita ko lang na nabaliktad kami sa Ateneo, kasi ang goal ni Coach Odjie is strong serve and malakas na pasa. Parang naging baliktad ‘yung nangyari, na tumaas ang kumpyansa ng Ateneo na malakas ang serve tas kami ‘yung nawala,” he added.
Mamon also acknowledged UST’s need to work on their serving and passing as they prepare to face the defending champs.
“Yun ‘yung problema namin kanina eh, ‘yung laro ng Ateneo kanina is A-game talaga sila. They hustle for the ball, they hit intelligently tas sa amin nganga and ‘yun nga, indication ‘yun na we really have to work hard,” the longtime UST coach said.
Fortunately, UST will have a one-week break that gives them ample time to resolve their errors and for Ybañez to be in better shape against the Bulldogs.
“Well-deserved rest siguro [on Monday], ‘yung mga players kasi mula nung mag-start wala na kaming hinto eh, so I will give them the Monday off and kung kaya hanggang Tuesday. Pero definitely magpe-prepare kami para sa last game ng first round against NU,” Mamon said.
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.