National University cruised past San Beda University, 25-15, 25-21, 25-23, in the quarterfinals of the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, Wednesday morning at the Paco Arena.
Nico Almendras’ all-around effort of 13 points, 14 excellent receptions, and three digs helped the Bulldogs reach the semifinals and remain undefeated in the Collegiate Challenge after six games.
Obed Mukaba added 11 points on eight attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace while Michaelo Buddin and Kennry Malinis added 10 and nine markers, respectively.
Team captain Joshua Retamar, who missed NU’s last game due to a left ankle sprain, returned to the lineup against the Red Spikers and dished out 15 excellent sets laced with two points.
“Okay naman yung performance namin nung first two sets nung third set lang medyo nagkaproblema lang kami sa service at receive namin although nakuha pa rin namin yung panalo. Malaking bagay ‘to para sa darating na semifinals,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Syempre, credit pa rin sa San Beda kasi nakita ko naman yung sistema nila. Medyo nag-struggle sila nung una lumalaban pa rin at dumidikit sila,” he added.
Kevin Montemayor paced San Beda with 12 points on 12 attacks while Axel Van Book added eight points to go along with eight excellent receptions.
NU will go up against the winner of the Perpetual-Arellano match in the semifinals on November 23, Wednesday at 3:00 PM while San Beda heads down to the classification phase where they will face the loser of the said matchup on the same day at 10:00 AM.
