By: Ernest Tuazon
A huge hurdle has dawned upon National University as it enters the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge and UAAP Season 87 without decorated setter Joshua Retamar and senior hitter Nico Almendras.
While many are poised to fill the void left by Almendras – such as Leo Aringo, Jade Disquitado, and Buds Buddin – the Bulldogs will rely on a homegrown product to take the reins from Retamar: Jeffe Gallego.
Gallego acknowledged that he needs to work on his lapses quickly to fill the hole left by the two-time UAAP Best Setter.
“Hindi madali kunin yung pwesto ni kuya Owa Retamar kasi iba yung laro niya compared sa laro ko. I think kulang pa yung pinapakita ko sa training and sa laro, kaya mas magpupursigi pa ako sa setting and magd-double time pa,” Gallego said.
Gallego also admitted to feeling pressure and an overwhelming sense of suiting up for the Bulldogs due to the new system, teammates, and unfamiliar playing environment.
The reigning UAAP Season 86 Boys Volleyball Finals MVP saw limited playing time in his collegiate debut, as NU defeated University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in four sets to open their V-League title redemption tour.
“First time ko maglaro sa collegiate na tournament so parang na-overwhelm din kasi mga bagong teammates and [maraming] adjustment kailangan gawin and pressured talaga, kasi iba yung teammates ko and yung laruan sa college,” the Cadiz City native shared.
Despite these feelings, Gallego is confident that he will slowly settle into the atmosphere of collegiate volleyball and, at the same time, into the Bulldogs’ system as they seek their fifth consecutive UAAP title heading into Season 87.
“Mag-work din dapat ako hindi lang as an individual, kundi as a team para buo yung team namin and para makuha namin yung gel ng team, para rin maging organized kami,” he added.
