On Saturday night in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena, two UAAP collegiate teams collided in National University-Sta. Elena and Ateneo de Manila University-Fudgee Barr.
And with that match came the sign that collegiate men’s volleyball is finally back after almost three years of no action.
When the UAAP announced its 84th shortened season, indoor men’s volleyball was not included. Men’s beach volleyball was staged, though.
“Totoo na talaga, magkakaroon na ng liga ulit for collegiate. Importante naman yun sa bawat school na magkaroon ng mga ganitong liga Spikers’ Turf,” said Nationals head coach Dante Alinsunurin after their straight sets win over the Blue Eagles that improved their record to 5-0.
“Sobrang masaya na nakita ng maraming tao na bumabalik na ulit ‘yung men’s volleyball hindi lang sa collegiate pati sa semi-pro natin.”
Meanwhile, for NU-Sta. Elena captain Joshua Retamar, the sweep versus Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, as well as their immaculate standing, were testaments that their university is still the team to beat come the 85th season of the UAAP.
The Bulldogs, as they are called in the collegiate league, are the two-time defending champions in men’s volleyball.
“Syempre gusto pa rin namin ipakita ‘yung champion spirit namin sa previous UAAP season,” said Retamar.
“Gusto namin kapag nakita nila kami, ‘Ah! NU yan, iba yan, kailangan paghandaan yan.'”
