By NIKOLE JAVIER
University of Santo Tomas’ Josh Ybañez has one big mission this coming UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament – stop National University’s four-peat title bid.
Yes, beating the NU spikers is part of UST’s redemption drive.
The Golden Spikers marched into the finals last season for the first time since Season 74, but despite the stellar performance of the 5-foot-7 Ybañez, they fell short in winning the crown.
And that led to another perfect run for NU, stretching its amazing winning run to 34 dating back to Season 81.
Though coming off a three-year delayed season, the Bulldogs were simply on a league of their own — that not even the 20-year-old Ybañez could overcome.
With renewed focus and goal, Ybañez is confident that UST could finally put an end to NU’s reign this time around.
“Same as last season, ‘yung mga ginawa ko last season,” said Ybañez.
“Of course pinaghahandaan namin tong season na to and natalo namin ‘yung NU sa mga offseason tournaments. I think it’s about time na ma-stop na ‘yung championship [run] nila,” he detailed.
Out to give Ybañez the extra offense are the team’s six promising rookies who have already made heads turn during tune up matches. ]
“Regarding those six new players, mga rookies. I have a huge trust sa kanila. I know kaya nila, hinog na sila. Hindi rason ‘yung pagiging rookie para hindi sila lumaban,” he concluded.
“Siguro gusto ko lang ipagpatuloy kung ano ‘yung nasimulan ko. Alam kong mataas ‘yung kumpiyansan ko ngayong season after last year. And I think mas bobonggahan (gagalingan) ko pa this year,” he said.
