Michaelo Buddin repaid National University-Sta. Elena head coach Dante Alinsunurin’s trust by putting on his best performance in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Tuesday at the Paco Arena.
The product of NU-Nazareth, who started his second consecutive game, dropped a personal-best 15 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces along with 10 excellent receptions in the Nationals’ 33-31, 25-17, 25-18 win over VNS-One Alicia.
Buddin also played a huge role in NU-Sta. Elena’s breakaway in the finale, scoring seven of the team’s first 10 points that paved the way for a 19-10 advantage.
“Nagkaroon ako lalo ng kumpiyansa sa sarili and mas na-boost yung tiwala ko sa sarili ko. Yung tiwala ng coaches, mas binigay nila yung tiwala nila sa akin na i-first six ako ulit so ayoko silang ma-disappoint sa tiwala na binibigay nila sa akin,” said Buddin, who was a constant contributor off the bench before getting plugged into starting six against Sta. Rosa City.
“Gagawin ko yung best ko para maipakita na deserve ko na ma-first six ako at hindi sila madi-disappoint.”
Alinsunurin, for his part, said that he just gave Buddin the opportunity he deserves after providing the much-needed spark for the team in its first two wins against Katinko Oil-Army and PGJC-Navy.
“Nangyayari naman yung tuluy-tuloy na ginagawa namin e. Sino ba naman yung coach na ilalagay siya sa first six na nakita mo naman yung time na dalawang game hinugot ko (siya), nag-perform,” said the National team tactician.
“Muntikan pa nga siya na mag best player nung nakaraan kaya nung pangatlo ginawa ko nang first six,” added Alinsunurin.
The decorated mentor hopes that Buddin can sustain his fine performances moving forward as they gear up for the return of men’s volleyball in the upcoming UAAP Season 85.
“Importante lang na magtuloy-tuloy siya, kung ano yung sistema namin mag-focus lang din and syempre mas umangat pa, hindi lang sa ganitong game.”
