Strong start in the first round for the Golden Spikers.
Do your best. Learn. Enjoy.
This is the mantra that coach Odjie Mamon has instilled in the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, and it seems to be working well.
The squad from España is up to a 4-1 start in the men's volleyball tournament of UAAP Season 85 after sweeping the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Saturday, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17.
“We limited UP’s options,” Mamon said. “It’s a stress-free game.”
Josh Ybañez led the squad with 13 points off 8 attacks, 4 blocks, and an ace.
For their success to continue, Ybañez believes not much has to be changed—except for their trust amongst each other.
“Stick lang po sa sistema namin sa loob ng court,” Ybañez said.
That includes relying on Mamon and the rest of the coaching staff.
“Kasi sila [coaches] ‘yung nakakakita sa labas, kasi minsan, gigil kami lahat sa court, so kailangan naming makinig sa kanila kung ano ‘yung dapat naming gawin,” he said further.
UST will next face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, March 15. UP will be back in action next Sunday, March 19, also against Ateneo.