National University head coach Dante Alinsunurin urged team captain Owa Retamar to step up and guide the young Bulldogs after the team suffered a rare defeat to open their UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament campaign on Sunday.
In a rematch of last season’s finals, NU suffered a tough sweep at the hands of University of Sto. Tomas, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, which snapped their 34-game winning streak which started in 2019.
Alinsunurin said that NU’s rookies, particularly Jade Disquitado and Rwenzmel Taguibolos, did well in their UAAP debut but still need more guidance from the veteran setter moving forward.
“Si (Rwenzmel) Taguibolos and Jade (Disquitado) naman maganda naman yung pinakita nila ngayong game. Siguro talagang we need na ma-maximize yung mga ginagawa namin sa loob ng court,” said the decorated tactician.
“Yung leadership ni Owa kailangan pa mag-step up dahil may mga bago na kami sa loob ng court na dapat talaga siya yung mag-manage pagdating sa laro,” said Alinsunurin.
Disquitado tallied 13 points, seven excellent receptions, and five excellent digs while Taguibolos had three points.
Just like what he told the team after they suffered their previous loss, an opening-day 25-12, 25-16, 25-19 decision to Far Eastern University in Season 81, the Choco Mucho head coach wants the Bulldogs to use this loss as motivation.
“Sabi ko challenge ‘to. Nanghinayang, pero wake up call ulit sa sitwasyon kasi sabi nga hindi naman lahat ng bagay ibibigay nang madali eh,” said Alinsunurin.
“Pagta-trabahuhan ulit namin kung ano yung naging start namin nung 2019, after nung loss namin ng first game sa FEU, sabi ko sana mag tuluy-tuloy lang ulit sa trabaho namin and kalimutan yung mga nangyari kanina,” he added.
Alinsunurin also tipped his hat to the Golden Spikers, who he said worked hard to get the victory.
“Well, sa ngayon nanghihinayang kami sa pagkatalo namin. Pero syempre, tinrabaho rin naman talaga ng UST yung game. Nandun kami, pero dahil sa mga unforced errors namin, ‘di namin kinaya nung bandang huli.”
