MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas continued to roll despite the absence of Josh Ybañez, sweeping contender La Salle, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ybañez, a two-time MVP,  missed his second straight game due to a grade 2 ankle sprain but the Golden Spikers worked as one unit to win their second straight game in three matches, to tie National University and Ateneo at 2-1.

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Poy Colinares sustained his fine form with a game-high 17 points on an efficient 11-of-15 attacking clip, five blocks, and an ace for their first win against La Salle since the second round of Season 85 last April 2, 2023.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round

“Our whole team is really happy because even though Josh isn’t in our lineup, we’re still united as a team. It’s like no matter who’s missing or who you put in the lineup, we’re confident they’ll perform well,” said Colinares in Filipino.

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Jay Rack De La Noche scored nine of his 12 points in the first set. Rookie JJ Macam continued to step up with 10 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Season 86 beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo provided the spark off the bench with seven points.

“The result shows how deep our team is. On top of that, our preparation has been great. Yesterday, the mood was really positive, and they’re still carrying that good energy onto the court. It makes the game feel so much easier for them.,” UST coach Odjie Mamon said after also drawing a 19-excellent-set performance from team captain Dux Yambao.

READ; UAAP: UST gets first win in men’s volleyball with rookie leading

Ybañez is set to return to ball training on Thursday but remained questionable against Adamson on Saturday at the same venue.

Noel Kampton, who previously scored 24 points in La Salle’s win against Adamson, was limited to six points on a 6-of-23 attacking clip as the Green Spikers fell to 1-2 tied with their next opponent on Sunday, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the Adamson Falcons for sixth place.

MJ Fortuna, Emman Fernandez, and Eric Layug had six points each, while Vince Maglinao made his season debut with two points after missing the first two games due to an ankle sprain.

Adamson gets first win in men’s volleyball

Adamson Falcons’ Mark Coguimbal. –UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, Leo Coguimbal drilled eight blocks to finish with 16 points to deliver Adamson’s first win and turn back the University of the East, 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17.

“We will bring our momentum from this win. Hopefully, we can apply it on our remaining games,” said Coguimbal.

Jude Aguilar powered the Falcons with 17 points off 14 spikes and three blocks to end a two-game skid and improve to a 1-2 record after their team tallied 18 blocks.

“We focused on blocking because we wanted to maximize our height advantage. We know that UE is more of a attacking team,” said Adamson rookie coach Raffy Mosuela. “I’m happy with my first win as Adamson head coach. Our preparation was worth it.”

UE remained winless in three games with Tebs Aligayon carrying the cudgels with 23 points built on 20 kills, two blocks, and an ace. Roy Piojo had 17 points.