Two of the most heavy-hitting players of the UST volleyball program today are set to join forces with one goal in mind: to end the Golden Spikers’ 14-year championship drought.

General Santos City standouts Josh Ybañez and Alche Gupiteo brought their talents into the Tiger's lair in 2022, but they went separate ways in the volleyball scene.

Gupiteo, a six-foot-two outside hitter, continued the UST Tiger Sands’ six-year reign, collecting two UAAP beach volleyball crowns and the UAAP Season 86 MVP award.

On the other hand, five-foot-seven Ybañez defied height stereotypes and soared into prominence with the UST Golden Spikers, leading them to two consecutive finals appearances.

Ybañez ranked first in scoring last season with 329 points, fourth in spiking with a success rate of 45.36 percent, second in service with 0.27 aces per set, and first in reception with an efficiency rate of 62.84 percent.

Despite falling short in claiming the gold medals in the last two seasons, the third-year outside hitter is thrilled that the Golden Spikers are more poised for a title run with the help of his hometown friend.

“Sobrang happy. Hindi lang dahil na bumalik siya [Gupiteo] sa indoor [volleyball]. I think it's the idea na parang minahal niya ulit ang indoor,” Ybañez told TomasinoWeb.

Gupiteo is now in his graduating year, majoring in Fitness and Sports Management–a key factor in his decision to accept the indoor callup.

Before entering UST, Ybañez ruled the court as a libero, a position he would reprise during his Alas Pilipinas stint, while Gupiteo played on the frontline back home.

Ybañez said he was glad that the bond they built on the simple courts of General Santos City from their early days is now making its way into the big leagues.

“I am so grateful na makapaglaro ako sa mga ganitong kalaking stage [UAAP] kasi kala ko kalye-kalye lang ako pero hindi pala,” he said.

“Nandoon pa rin ‘yong gigil namin ni Alche na magsama sa court pero of course, may mga teammates din ako na matapang din maglaro so I think it's the coach's decision kung sino maglalaro,” Ybañez added.

With two UAAP MVP titles under his belt, Ybañez said he is more than ready to bring the maturity and leadership he gained from his international experience with the national team to the España-based squad.

“Wala na ako naging ibang goal pa kundi mag-champion. Dini-disregard ko na ‘yong idea of individual awards; ang main focus ko talaga and ng team is magchampion this season,” Ybañez said during the Season 87 Collegiate Volleyball Press Conference.

“I think we have the best lineup this season. Isa ‘yon sa magiging factor sa success ng team namin,” he added.

The UST Golden Spikers’ first assignment will be against the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. – With reports from Dylan Kievan Lameseria