FEU stuns UST as MVP Ybañez hurts ankle; UP escapes in UAAP men’s volleyball opener

MANILA, Philippines – The UST Golden Spikers just couldn’t catch a break.

Hoping for a fresh start after back-to-back runner-up finishes, UST had hoped for a strong start with reigning MVP Josh Ybañez in the Season 87 opener of the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament. 

Instead, UST absorbed a major blow with Ybañez suffering an injury as the FEU Tamaraws pulled off a stunner, 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20, on Saturday, February 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Ybañez suffered an apparent ankle injury in the fourth set after stepping on teammate Trevor Valera’s foot off a backrow attack. 

Mikko Espartero unloaded 19 points to lead the Tamaraws, who lost to the Golden Spikers in the Final Four last season.

FEU’s Dryx Saavedra and Jelord Talisayang scored 13 apiece to help tame UST.

Ybañez — who tallied 15 points before the injury — has become one of the biggest stars in men’s volleyball in the past two years, winning the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in Season 85 before winning the top honor again last year. 

He was also named in the  Alas Pilipinas men’s national team lineup

However, a UAAP championship remains elusive for Ybañez after two heartbreakers against the dynastic NU Bulldogs in the last two seasons. 

UP unveils foreign recruit

Debuting foreign student-athlete Olayemi Raheem officially introduced himself to the UAAP in the first game of the season.

The new UP reinforcement carried the Fighting Maroons to a stunning five-set win against the UE Red Warriors, 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16, as the 20-year-old Raheem put up 25 points built off 24 attacks to spark UP’s late rallies in the final set.

“I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role,” Raheem said after the game. 

It was a new experience for the 6-foot-3 spiker after playing in the Boys’ U19 World Championship in 2023 and the African Nations Championship in 2002.

For Raheem, relishing the UAAP atmosphere is something that was on his mind during his first taste of action. 

“For me, it’s kind of like a new experience, having a lot of people, drums, and everything,” Raheem said. “But I never listened to that, like what coach said, I focused on our preparations for the game.” 

Daniel Nicolas added 14 points including 11 attacks, while setter Clarence Santiago posted 15 excellent sets on top of 3 points for UP. – Rappler.com