Sta. Elena-National University proved its doubters wrong after taking down a giant in erstwhile unbeaten Cignal to reign supreme in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Composed of NU players, who ruled the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for the past three seasons, critics thought that the team of multi-titled mentor Dante Alinsurin had lost its touch after a series of misfortunes.
A dismal 1-9 record in the season-opening Open Conference, losing the V-League Collegiate Challenger throne followed by missing a podium finish in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Challenge Cup last month fueled talks from naysayers.
Getting crushed by the rolling HD Spikers in the round-robin semifinal also gave the Nationals little chance of pulling off a miracle in the winner-take-all final.
But the squad showed everyone that its burning desire for glory never waned.
In what turned out to be the biggest upset this season, Sta. Elena-NU engineered a 22-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 15-8 shocker over Cignal to lift the inaugural conference’s championship trophy Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
“I told them that even if we fell short in the PNVF and V-League, what was important was that we got the UAAP title (at the start of the year). I told them to keep their heads up and work harder so that before this year ends we would become champions again,” a very proud Alinsunurin said.
The Nationals showed no fear facing the veteran-laden HD Spikers, who were unbeaten in 24 straight games in the season, and kept their composure even after going down a 1-2 hole in the match.
With Jade Disquitado heating up while Leo Ordiales, who won Best Opposite Spiker, and veteran Nico Almendras taking care of some clutch hits in the closing stretch, Sta. Elena-NU forced a deciding set that put a shiver down the spine of stunned Cignal.
The Nationals then raced to a 6-2 lead before building a 14-8 advantage following Disquitado’s hit. Sta. Elena-NU exploded in jubilation when Leo Aringo shut the door on Jau Umandal’s attack, spoiling the HD Spikers’ attempt at a perfect season.
“This is very memorable for me because we came in the Spikers’ Turf with a good start but struggled midway through with the injury bug biting. I guess we just tried to maximize what we could in this situation but good thing we survived all that,” Alinsunurin said.
Sta. Elena-NU copped its second title in the league after winning the 2022 Open Conference at the expense of bitter rival Cignal.
“It is also important for me that we got this because this is a testament that the NU volleyball program is always getting a notch higher, that’s what we want to see,” Alinsunurin added.
The mentor also praised Disquitado’s performance throughout the tournament as he saved his best for last, scoring a career-high 34 points built on 31 kills, two aces and one kill block he laced with nine excellent receptions.
“I was surprised when I saw that he got 34 points. But again I’m not that surprised because the kid has great potential. He really just needed to train hard and now we’re seeing his development,” he said.
Now, two more months before the start of UAAP Season 86, the team is preparing for its most important war — a four-peat to cement further its reputation as the country’s best men’s volleyball squad.
