One of the key factors National University must address in its pursuit of a fifth straight championship in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament is playmaking, especially with Joshua Retamar graduating after Season 86.
Now, the setting duties fall to sophomore Greg Ancheta and rookie Jeffe Gallego.
Fortunately, Retamar’s departure has not been a setback, as he continues to mentor the two young setters early in their careers — especially with a historic ‘five-peat’ on the line.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Lagi ko silang kinakausap dati. Kailangan sila yung magdala ng team kasi wala na silang poproblemahin sa spikers, lahat malalakas kahit sinong bigyan,” shared Retamar, who now plays for Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf.
“Yung pinaka-importante nilang kailangang matutunan is kung paano i-handle yung team kasi setter sila. Sila yung magda-drive ng team, sila yung gagawa ng paraan sa lahat. Alam na nila yun. Sana wag lang sila ma-rattle at focus lang talaga,” added the national team setter.
NU’s Season 87 campaign got off to a dominant start, sweeping the De La Salle Green Spikers in straight sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ancheta, taking on the full-time setter role, orchestrated NU’s offense efficiently, tallying 14 excellent sets along with a point.
His distribution was on point, as Leo Aringo led with 20 points, Michaelo Buddin added 18, and Leo Ordiales chipped in nine.
(C) UAAP Media Group
Meanwhile, Gallego also brings a strong background to the team, having been named the Season 86 High School Boys’ Volleyball Finals MVP.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed full confidence in his two young setters during last Thursday’s volleyball press conference.
“Ngayon, nandiyan naman yung dalawang setter ko — yung second-year ko, si Greg Ancheta, tapos yung MVP ng Finals sa high school, si Jeffe Gallego. Sa tingin ko, nabigay naman namin sa kanila kung ano dapat gawin ngayong UAAP,” said Alinsunurin.
“Importante lang na dapat makinig and mag-observe para matulungan namin sila at para maging successful yung paglaro nila sa UAAP.”
