The UST Golden Spikers made sure to support MVP Josh Ybañez's effort as they kept their UAAP Season 86 campaign alive with a straight-set win over the FEU Tamaraws in the Final Four.
It's no secret that Josh Ybañez has had to carry the load for the University of Santo Tomas throughout the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament.
But in their Final Four match against Far Eastern University, Ybañez got the help he needed, with Sherwin Umandal and Gboy De Vega coming to play and giving the Golden Spikers a big lift.
Umandal and De Vega contributed 14 and 10 points respectively in the win, which helped UST force a do-or-die match against the top-ranked Tamaraws.
"Napag-usapan namin bago matulog na hindi kami puwedeng na hindi lalaro ng Finals, hindi puwedeng hindi namin makuha 'yung championship lalo na at mas intact 'yung team namin ngayon," Umandal said during the post-game press conference.
Ybañez, who was emotional after UST's loss to FEU in the second round, was thankful for the support he received from his teammates, especially a slow start to their crucial match.
"Unang-una sobrang normal lang ma-frustrate and ma-disappoint if ever matalo. At least that gives me motivation na kailangan ko mag-double time," said Ybañez.
"Kanina, siguro shaky ako nung una, sobrang stiff ko, so I'm so happy for my teammates kasi nga nag-step up sila," he added.
While the reigning MVP did find his groove later on in the match, Ybañez knows that there are other ways for him to contribute to the team.
"Malaki tiwala ko sa kanila and inisip ko nalang na if hindi man ako maka-atake sa harap, there's so many aspects sa volleyball na puwede ako makatulong," said Ybañez.