Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras once again found themselves back in the Invitational Conference final—the same tournament they last won for National University in the Spikers’ Turf.
However, only one could emerge as a two-time champion, as they now stood on opposite sides of the court—Retamar orchestrating Cignal’s offense and Almendras shining on the wings for Criss Cross.
“Syempre, noong una, ayoko siyang pansinin. Kasi syempre, championship match. And panay-NU pa yung kalaban ko, sila (Francis) Saura,” said Retamar after helping Cignal clinch the Invitationals title.
“Panay close ko pa sila. Kaya minindset ko, huwag ka muna sila pansinin. Mag-focus muna ako sa kailangan namin gawin, lalo na ako,” he added.
Teammates since high school, Almendras admitted it felt unusual to face Retamar on the biggest stage but cherished the opportunity to compete against one of his closest friends.
“Masarap na malungkot,” described Almendras. “Kasi since high school pa lang kami na ‘yung magkasama ni Owa eh.
“Sa lahat ng championship kami rin ‘yung magkasama, so malungkot din kasi ngayon isa na lang sa’min ni Owa ‘yung pwede maguwi nung championship.”
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Together, the dynamic duo played a key role in the Bulldogs’ last three UAAP championships, helping the school achieve a rare four-peat by the end of their collegiate careers.
Almendras and Retamar were also instrumental in NU’s impressive run during the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, where they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory by defeating the HD Spikers for the championship.
In their first finals meeting, Retamar got the better of Almendras, as he helped Cignal secure a 25-19, 25-19, 26-24 win over Almendras and the King Crunchers in the Invitational Conference knockout finale last Sunday.
The former league Best Setter expressed immense pride in how he and Almendras concluded their rookie season, playing pivotal roles for two championship contenders and embodying the true essence of NU pride.
“As NU pride din talaga na gusto namin champion pag naglaro agad kami.”
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
