MANILA, Philippines – competing against Edu Lirio, their former high school coach from Sta. Almendras concluded with 12 points on the strength of nine attacks, two aces, a block, and four of Rosa Retamar’s 12 blocks for the Nationals. Rosa Retamar also delivered 10 superb sets. 

The setter for the Philippine men’s volleyball team concluded with six points to defeat the Lions in an hour and sixteen minutes, tying the defending champion Cignal for first place and putting them in position to go to the semifinals.

NU-Sta. Elena’s Joshua Retamar rallies to win. Nico Almendras and Joshua Retamar, a setter and spiker for National University-Sta. At Paco Arena on Saturday, Elena roared to a rousing 25-16, 25-16, 25-22 victory over Santa Rosa, moving one step closer to the semifinals and taking a share of the lead in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.

Retamar attributed their victory to their blocking strategy and the desire of their bench players to distinguish themselves. 

We played a little more loosely, but we managed to execute a strong blocking strategy. It’s encouraging to watch my bench-sitting teammates stand up as well. They did well and demonstrated a genuine desire to play, according to the NU-Sta Elena team captain (Rough translation)

Michaelo Buddin and Michael John Fortuna both contributed, scoring 10 and 8 points, respectively. 

Obed Mukaba, who had 10 blocks in last week’s five-set victory over Navy for the Nationals, only participated in the first two sets and had five points overall. As a result, Nationals coach Dante Alinsunurin experimented with alternative rotations from his bench. 

“We need our bench players to be prepared for every game, therefore we really want to employ them. We don’t just rely on our starting six, so they have to stand up” Alinsunurin added. (translated)

NU-Sta. Elena tries to beat VNS-One Alicia to advance to the semifinals (2-1) 

Sta. Rosa’s record fell to 1-3, and the team will take a break before playing Army-Katinko (0-3) on Thursday of the following week. 

No Lions player scored in double figures; Jade Disquitado and backup Andrew Barilea each had eight points to lead the club.

NU-Sta. The young Santa Rosa team had no hope of rallying as Elena took control early in the opening set, racing to a 14-7 lead. However, they lost the first 6-7 of the second set before rallying. 

The system should be followed no matter who we are up against, NU-Sta remarked before the game. Dante Alinsunurin is Elena’s trainer. 

The Nationals were headed by Nico Almendras, who finished with 12 points, and MJ Fortuna, who scored 10 points on the strength of eight kills. 

In the third frame, Alinsunurin rested his starters, stating: “I used my second six since I will be requiring them in subsequent games.”

While Michaelo Buddin concluded with eight points and playmaker Joshua Retamar produced 10 fantastic sets, Almendras added seven excellent catches. In addition, Retamar was responsible for four of the team’s 12 kill blocks. 

Obed Mukaba, a student-athlete from the Congo, scored five points in two sets. 

The City Lions received eight points each from Andrew Barilea and Jade Disquitado, who helped the squad move up to fifth place in the standings after suffering their third loss in four games. Santa Rosa’s offense suffered when star player Gabby Hernandez had a left foot injury in the first set and was unable to play the rest of the match.

In the rankings, NU are currently tied with inactive Cignal HD.

Scores Per Set

25-16, 25-16, 25-22

Game ball goes to NU-Sta. Elena.