Elena Sta. Elena-NU players and coaches are all smiles after winning the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference title. Contributed photo

Sta. Elena-NU captures Spikers’ Turf crown

December 17, 2023 Theodore P. Jurado 590 views

STA. ELENA NU defied all the tremendous odds to become the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference champions, denying Cignal a 10-match sweep of the tournament.

For coach Dante Alinsunurin, there was no sense of bewilderment, only sheer joy at overcoming the challenge to steer the Nationals on top.

“Na-maximize lang talaga kami kung anong dapat gawin sa mga ganung sitwasyon,” said Alinsunurin after his team’s stunning 22-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 15-8 reversal of the HD Spikers Friday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

“Mabuti naka-survive kami sa liga na ito. Importante rin sa akin na nakuha namin ito kasi ito yung nagpapatunay na ang NU volleyball program ay paangat na nang paangat,” he added.

Sta. Elena-NU is now 2-0 in their Finals head-to-head against Cignal, having won the Reinforced Conference in the Spikers’ Turf restart last year.

The Nationals encountered rough patches all-tournament long, as ace setter Owa Retamar got hurt during one the team’s training sessions had to miss some matches in pool play, while Mike Buddin sat out in the Final due to ankle injury. Nico Almendras was also out in some preliminary round matches due to personal reasons.

Still, Sta. Elena-NU was determined to win it all.

“Sobrang memorable ito sa akin, kasi sabi ko nga pumunta kami sa Spikers’ Turf maganda yung simula namin pero kalagitnaan medyo nag-struggle talaga kami, natamaan kami ng injuries talaga,” said Alinsunurin, who is also handling Choco Mucho that reached the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference Finals.

Despite the HD Spikers standing a set away from a remarkable 25-game season sweep, the Nationals showed unwavering stance.

Led by Jade Disquitado and Almendras, Sta. Elena-NU showcased endgame poise, forcing a decider and ultimately clinching the championship with formidable blocking skills that tamed Cignal’s offense.

Disquitado, playing in his first conference with the Nationals, exploded for a career-high 34 points and earning the Finals MVP honors, Almendras contributed 20 points, 22 receptions and digs.

“Itong Finals MVP siguro bonus na lang ito kasi yung goal talaga namin ay mag champion talaga. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi binigay niya sa amin yung championship at nakuha ko itong MVP,” said Disquitado, who made his Spikers’ Turf debut for Santa Rosa last year.

Retamar, who took the Best Setter honors, tossed in 25 excellent sets and logged four of his team’s 16 blocks, while Aringo also had four blocks, including the title clincher where he foiled Jau Umandal’s spike, to finish with 10 points and collected eight digs.

With Retamar announcing after the championship match that he is returning for a final year for NU, the newly-minted Invitational Champions are now looking forward for their four-peat bid campaign in the UAAP in February.

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