NU-Sta. Elena opened its campaign with a 20-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-12 win over Army-Katinko in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference yesterday at the Paco Arena.

The Nationals, representing the reigning UAAP champion Bulldogs, bucked an opening set loss with open spiker Nico Almendras and Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba leading the charge in the next three sets.

Almendras had 18 points, including two service aces, and 12 receptions, while the 6-foot-6 Mukaba had six blocks for a 13-point outing for NU-Sta. Elena.

Later, Jao Umandal came through with 13 points as Navy debuted with a 25-22, 25-19, 25-19 victory over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr.

Nationals coach Dante Alinsunurin, who guided the country to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, finally have a sigh of relief to have domestic men’s volleyball league back after a long hiatus.

“Sobrang happy kasi alam mo naman na nasa national team ako. Kailangan sa men’s team na may liga na ganito na every month or quarterly may ganito para mas tumaas ang level ng men’s team,.

Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ang liga,” said Alinsunurin.

Looking nervous in her first game for NU-Sta. Elena, Mukaba was delighted with the support from the Filipino fans who cheered with his plays in the middle.

“I’m very happy. In my country, it’s not like this,” said Mukaba.

Alinsununrin knows the upside of Mukaba to address their gaps in the middle.

“Siyempre, bata pa naman siya. Sa sitwasyon namin, kinuha namin siya. Nakita mo naman yung potensiyal niya as a volleyball player. Sobrang eager na matuto lagi,” said Alinsunurin.

Josh Retamar was also solid for the Nationals with 18 excellent sets and nine digs.

PJ Rojas had 11 points and five receptions while John Daniel Diwa had two blocks for a 10-point outing for the Troopers.

The Blue Eagles, who were led by Kennedy Batas’ eight points, dropped their second consecutive match.