National University-Sta. Elena moved a win away from sweeping the elimination round of the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference after a quick win over Ateneo de Manila University-Fudger Barr, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, Saturday at the Paco Arena.
The 5-0 Nationals will aim for immaculate elims on Tuesday against defending champion Cignal at 5:30 pm.
“Masusubukan talaga ‘yung team namin (against Cignal) kung hanggang saan lang kami kasi ito naman talaga ‘yung hinihintay namin na makalaban talaga namin ‘yung club team na buo,” said NU-Sta. Elena head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
The Nationals zoomed to a 16-7 lead and never looked back in the first set, topped by Joshua Retamar’s impactful kill, 25-14.
And a repeat ensued in the second frame when NU-Sta. Elena raced to a strong start, which proved to be the difference for a commanding 2-0 advantage, 25-16.
But the Blue Eagles kept in step with the Nationals in the third, even taking a 12-11 lead midway.
NU-Sta. Elena though steadied late to complete the straight sets win over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, 25-19.
“Tumaas lang ‘yung blocking namin, almost five blocks kami per set eh kaya siguro namin nang madali ‘yung game,” said Alinsunurin, whose team got 13 blocks.
Nico Almendras and Michaelo Buddin unloaded 10 points each for the Nationals with the former adding 14 excellent receptions as well.
Retamar finished with 13 excellent sets to go with five points on three attacks and two blocks.
Ateneo-Fudgee Barr had Matthew Salarzon as its leading scorer with 10, while Kennedy Batas got eight.
Amil Pacinio returned after missing their last game and contributed five points along with 13 excellent receptions and five digs.
The Blue Eagles ended their campaign at 1-6, with their only victory coming off against Army-Katinko.
