National University-Sta. Elena completed its sweep of the semifinals after taking out VNS-One Alicia, 25-17, 20-25, 25-21, 27-25 in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Tuesday at the Paco Arena.
The Nationals also defeated Cignal and PGJC-Navy in the semis. They will take on either the HD Spikers or the Sealions in the finals, depending on the result of their match later.
Nico Almendras dropped 26 points on 23 attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace to help NU-Sta. Elena fend off the upset-seeking Griffins, who are already relegated to the battle for bronze.
“Deserving talaga yung team na maukha yung finals. Siyempre credits sa mga players ko na talagang ginawa nila yung best nila. Nakita namin yung sistema namin na pinipilit namin sa kanila na ibigay,” said Nationals head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Naniwala sila sa everyday na ginagawa namin. Medyo relax lang pero at least nakuha pa rin namin,” he added.
VNS-One Alicia threatened to send the game to a decider after Yoyong Mendoza, Ben San Andres, and Ish Polvorosa spearheaded a four-to-nothing spurt. That put the Griffins at set point, 24-23.
Almendras sent the game to a deuce, before Joshua Retamar and San Andres traded service errors. VNS-One Alicia then found itself ahead anew. Two consecutive errors from the side of the Griffins sealed the deal.
Obed Mukaba scored 12 from the attack line laced with two rejections for 14 points. Michaelo Buddin had 13 points to go along with 18 excellent receptions.
Retamar, meanwhile, dished out 28 excellent sets, while Jann Sumagui collected 15 receptions and 13 digs in the win.
On the other hand, Montemayor led VNS-One Alicia with 13 points, while San Andres and Michael Doria had 12 apiece in a losing effort. Still, they took the second set to even the game before bowing out in the next two.
The Open Conference finale will begin on Thursday at 5:30 PM. On the other hand, the battle for bronze featuring the Griffins will be held at 2:30 PM on the same day.
