With Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras gone, National University head coach Dante Alinsunurin is entrusting leadership duties to Leo Aringo and Buds Buddin for the upcoming UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Aringo is an incoming senior, while Buddin will be entering his third year with the Bulldogs.
(C) V-League Images
Alinsunurin shared that he is working closely with both wingers to ensure that National University is on the right track heading into its five-peat bid in the UAAP.
“Well, ngayon obviously si Aringo at si Buddin. Sila namang dalawa ‘yung tumutulong sa’kin ngayon para mas maging maayos ‘yung takbo ng team,” said the veteran coach after the team’s 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge on Sunday.
“Sobrang thankful ako. Kahit papaano, unti-unti, nagkakaroon kami ng magandang usapan ni Aringo at Buddin para mas maging maganda ‘yung pag-lead nila sa team,” he added.
The pride of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, tallied 17 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace in the quick victory that pushed NU to 2-0 in the standings.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old winger from Davao had an all-around showing against the Generals. He finished with 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, as well as nine excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Aringo, the designated team captain, said that the team is currently working on their chemistry and communication due to the departures of Almendras and Retamar.
He also shared that he is more than willing to take on the task of leading the new-look Bulldogs in the upcoming season.
“Actually, ‘yung wino-workout namin ngayon is hindi sa skills, ang wino-workout namin ngayon as a team is ‘yung communication namin and leadership kasi ‘yun nga, malaking kawalan ‘yung mga seniors namin na leaders namin,” said Aringo.
“Malaki siyang responsibility para sa akin kasi bago lang ako sa first six, last year lang. Ngayon, ginagawa ko naman lahat ng makakaya ko. Kung may kulang pa, gagawin ko para mapanindigan ko ‘yung responsibilities na binigay sakin ng mga coaches.”
