Paco Arena is always rocking when the Spikers’ Turf is at the venue with the powerful spikes from the players and loud cheers from the audience during game days.
But on Thursday, rocking was an understatement during the country’s first and only men’s volley league finals Game One between National University-Sta. Elena and back-to-back defending champion Cignal.
This as the HD Spikers are back with their drummers while the Nationals brought theirs as well for the first time this Open Conference.
And when the music of volleyball was gone, it was NU-Sta. Elena emerged on top and moved a win away from the Sports Vision-organized league crown, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18.
“Nakakadagdag sa morale namin kasi pinupush kami sa pagcheer sa amin. Sobrang saya namin na binigyan kami kahit kaunti lang, binigyan kami ng NU ng drummers,” said Nationals main hitter Nico Almendras, who had an all-around game of 20 points, 10 excellent receptions, and nine digs.
“Sobrang swerte kami na sila talaga ‘yung nagkusa na pumunta dito para macheer sa amin,” followed head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
The veteran bench tactician then recalled how NU Percussion Department has been a part of the university’s men’s volleyball championships over the years.
And with their bass and snare drums reaching Paco, together with their cheers that make the Nationals and their fans dance along, Alinsunurin hopes it translates to another title for the school.
“Saka ‘yung drummers sila ‘yung bumuhay sa amin noong mga past championships namin, ‘yung drummers na yan,” said the head coach.
NU-Sta. Elena will go for the championship on Saturday at 5:30 pm at the same Paco venue.
And Almendras and company will not leave anything to chance, looking to end the tournament right in Game Two.
“Mindset lang talaga namin noong nagsimula kami hanggang nandito kami ngayon sa finals, goal namin is makuha talaga ‘yung championship,” said Alinsunurin.
