National University-Sta Elena stayed spotless in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference Pool A after finishing Don Pacundo-De La Salle University Dasmariñas in 63 minutes, 25-10, 25-18, 25-18, Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Nationals, who are yet to drop a single set this tournament, rose to 3-0 with Iloilo (1-2) and Army (1-1) as their final assignments in the group.
“Lagi ko lang nireremind yung mga players ko na tuwing maglalaro kami, kailangan may sistema sa lahat, hindi pwedeng bara-bara. Importante kung ano iyong iniensayo namin, ipakita nila lagi,” said National U head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Unlike in the first and third sets where the Nationals zoomed to huge early leads, the Patriots went toe-to-toe until the midway part of the second frame, trailing by just three, 13-16, but Michaelo Buddin and Leo Aringo linked up for a strong finish for NU, 25-18.
Buddin fired 19 points on an impressive 15-of-28 attack rate, to go with three blocks, and a service ace. He also dazzled on the defensive end with nine excellent receptions and six digs.
Aringo added 10 points in two sets played as the Nationals dominated even without main setter Joshua Retamar due to a minor injury and middle blocker Gerard Diao due to academic reasons.
Popoy Alabin and Christian Battung had nine and seven points, respectively, as the Patriots dropped to 0-3, falling on the brink of elimination with only the top two squads per pool advancing in the quarterfinals.
NU will face the D’Navigators on Wednesday, while DLSU-D will have 11 days to prepare for Army, which it will face on Nov. 22.
