Nico Almendras did not let his past actions distract him against University of the East on Sunday, leading National University to score a reverse sweep, 22-25, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 15-6.
The 6-foot-1 outside spiker was handed a yellow and red card before the start of the match against the Red Warriors stemming from his conduct in their last game against University of the Philippines, which stretched them to five sets before faltering.
UAAP volleyball commissioner Mike Verano said the penalty was due to Almendras’ unsportsmanlike conduct against the Fighting Maroons last Wednesday.
With the sanction, the Season 81 Rookie of the Year only returned on the court in the second set but was still able to drop 17 points.
“Nung pumasok ako sa loob, sabi ko sa teammates ko, ‘Pre okay na yun, yung nangyari sa akin kalimutan niyo na yun ang mahalaga makuha natin itong second set.’ Hanggang sa makuha namin yung panalo,” said Almendras, who is regarded as NU’s leader alongside Joshua Retamar.
Almendras, however, still reflected on the cause of his one-set sit-out and vowed to be better the rest of the way.
Although the “unsportsmanlike conduct” is undisclosed, Almendras was seen in the broadcast pushing off Jessie Rubin during the post-game handshake of the NU-UP match.
“Siguro sa akin kasi yung nangyari na yun eh nung last game namin against UP meron lang medyo hindi pagkakaintindihan,” said the 23-year-old Batangueño.
“Nandoon na tayo eh yung emosyon namin mataas eh and kailangan namin control-in para sa mga susunod naming games and sana hindi na maulit.”
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin also bared that he has talked to his team about the incident.
The Bulldogs stayed pristine in the tournament at 5-0 and have extended their winning streak to 23 games.
“Nakausap na namin sila kung ano mang dapat gawin at sana hindi na maulit yun.”
