Joshua Retamar is National University’s biggest advantage against its opponents and he proved it again on Saturday.
The three-time defending champions took down University of the Philippines in three sets, 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, to earn their third straight win in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
And all throughout, Retamar shined bright.
The 6-foot-1 playmaker did his thing and tossed 20 excellent sets, but what he did more than setting was more impressive.
Retamar punched in a career-best 12 points on an astounding six service aces, three blocks, and three attacks.
His percentage made it better as in his 15 services in the match, six resulted in points for the Bulldogs.
“Iniisip ko lang talaga na siyempre senior ako sa team namin, hindi pwede yung set lang,” said the NU captain.
“Kailangan din ako mag-perform ng block, ng depensa, sa serve, and siyempre pinagkatiwalaan ako ni Coach (Dante Alinsunurin) eh. Hindi ko sasayangin yun,” he continued.
For Alinsunurin, Retamar’s all-around prowess, thanks to his height, was the main reason why they got him.
It’s in those unnoticeable advantages that National U capitalized to annex three straight championships in the UAAP.
“Kaya nga naging successful yung NU program namin dahil sa mga alam namin na doon kami lalamang sa sitwasyon,” said Alinsunurin, who also handles PVL team Choco Mucho.
“Siyempre bibihira ka naman makakuha ng setter na ganito katangkad na sobrang athletic talaga. Kaya sobrang thankful ako na nagtutuloy-tuloy ang programa namin, and sana makakuha pa ako ng malalaki para sa programa namin.”
