BY ABBY TORALBA
NATIONAL University-Sta. Elena held off gritty PGJC Navy 17-25, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, 16-18 yesterday for its second straight win and a share of the early lead in the Spikers’ Turd Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
Middle blocker Obed Mukaba shone for the Nationals with 17 points, while open hitter Nico Almendras had 16 markers, 19 excellent receptions, and six digs.
Open spiker Micaelo Buddin and opposite hitter Kenny Malinis also had 13 kills for NU-Sta. Elena, which scored a big follow-up to its 20-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-12 victory over Army-Katinko six days ago and improved to 2-0 in a tie with Cignal and VNS-One Alicia.
The Sea Lions, coming off a 25-22, 25-19, 25-19 triumph over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr also last Thursday, fell to 1-1.
“Sobrang ganda ng ginalaw ng both teams. Importante sa akin iyong kinalabasan ng game, nanalo kami,” Nationals coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
“Sa last part ng game, talagang iyong sistema namin sa paglalaro nakita namin, nandoon talaga. Matagal namin ine-ensayo iyon para sa ganito,” he added.
After dropping the first two sets, NU-Sta. Elena got its bearings back in the next two frames to send the match to a decider.
An error committed by Navy’s EJ Casana shoved the Nationals to match point at 17-16 before a kill block by Jenngerard Diao sealed NU-Sta. Elena’s thrilling triumph.
Joshua Umandal paced the Sea Lions with 22 points, while skipper Greg Dolor and Joeven Dela Vega had 19 and 17 markers, respectively.
