It was the perfect ending for Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras’ UAAP careers.
Retamar, for the last time in his collegiate career, tossed a set to Almendras for his final spike for National University.
Then Almedras wound up and hammered it through the outstretched arms of Popoy Colinares and Jay Rack Dela Noche.
With that point, the Bulldogs attained their fourth-straight championship with the 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15 victory in Game 2 against the UST Golden Spikers.
That play had run through the mind of Retamar countless times, and of course, he had to use it for the fitting finish to their career of Almendras in front of a mammoth crowd of 17,089 inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
“Yun nga, nung time na ‘yun nasa isip ko, ‘Kay Nico ko na ibibigay ito!’ Gusto ko sa aming dalawa matatapos ‘yung score na nag-champion kami,” said Retamar.
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Retamar was named the Finals MVP for the second straight year after going for 26 excellent sets and three points in the clincher. He also had 24 excellent sets and five points in Game 1 where they dominated UST, 25-17, 26-24, 25-19.
Almendras, on the other hand, went for 20 points and 17-of-21 excellent receptions in Game 2. He previously unloaded 16 points and 19 receptions in Game 1.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya kasi bago kami umexit ni Owa, maganda ‘yung iniwan namin sa NU,” said Almendras as he finished his UAAP career as a champion in all of his three seasons.
The two, alongside main libero Mano Sumagui, are proud to leave as champions. They know that those who will remain in the Bulldogs’ den are more than capable of extending the four-peat reign of NU.
Retamar specifically mentioned their co-starters Michaelo Buddin, Leo Aringo, Peng Taguibolos, and Choi Diao as those who will carry the torch in Season 87.
“Siguro ‘yung maiiwan namin ni Nico ay kung paano mag-adjust nang mabilis kasi ‘yun ‘yung laging tinuturo sa amin nila coach. Pagdating sa laro, kung ano man ‘yung kalaban, nakakapag-adjust kaagad,” said Retamar, who was also a two-time Best Setter in the league.
“Alam ko naman na naituro namin kay Buddin, kay Leo, at saka kay Peng at Choi ‘yung kung paano mag-adjust agad and sana magtuloy-tuloy.”
