Third-year setter Joshua Avila spent much of UAAP Season 88 on the bench as the UST Golden Spikers leaned on team captain Dux Yambao to run their offense.
But when his number was called on April 11 against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, with a Final Four spot on the line, Avila delivered.
Stepping in for the injured Yambao, Avila orchestrated UST’s attack with 33 excellent sets in a 32-30, 18-25, 25-18, 25-17 win, sealing the Golden Spikers’ fourth straight Final Four appearance.
For Avila, it all came down to trust.
“Siguro, hindi lang si Coach Odjie Mamon ang may tiwala sa akin,” he said. “Halos lahat ng teammates ko, may tiwala rin sa akin. Lalo na si Dux, kahit nasa labas siya, lagi siyang sumusuporta sa akin.”
“Malaking bagay na nararamdaman ko na maraming teammates at coaches ang may tiwala sa akin.”
Over the past three seasons, Avila shared setting duties with Yambao. This year, the rotation expanded to include Kevin Tavera, giving UST multiple options at the position.
In recent games, however, Avila has seen increased minutes, particularly in second-round matches against Far Eastern University (FEU), University of the East (UE) and Adamson.
He recorded 16 excellent sets in a loss to FEU before bouncing back with 19 in a win over UE, helping stabilize UST’s offense heading into the crucial stretch.
Open hitter Gboy de Vega, who scored a season-high 16 points against Adamson, said the team benefits from having multiple capable setters.
“Thankful kami na may setters kami kagaya nila. Kahit sila ‘yong nagdi-drive ng plays, open sila sa suggestions,” he said.
“Magaan lumaro kapag ganyan ang setter.”
With a matchup against the UP Fighting Maroons set for Sunday, April 19, at Mall of Asia Arena, Avila emphasized consistency moving forward.
“Same lang ang susundan namin kasi araw-araw naming ginagawa ang sistema ni coach,” he said. “Dagdag confidence siya, at sana magtuloy-tuloy hanggang sa last few games, semis, at baka Finals.”
