BY ABBY TORALBA
NATIONAL University-Sta. Elena turned back VNS-One Alicia 33-31, 25-17, 25-18 yesterday for its fourth straight win and gained a semifinals slot in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
Kennry Malinis pumped in 16 points for the Nationals, while Mike Buddin produced 15 markers and 12 excellent receptions.
Skipper and setter Joshua Retamar contributed 17 excellent sets, 10 digs and five points, while Nico Almendras posted nine kills for NU-Sta. Elena.
“Maganda iyong naging resulta (ng game), nanalo kami. Iyong first set talaga namin medyo nangangapa kami,” said NU-Sta. Elena head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Although iyong last part ng second half ng first set nakuha namin iyong dapat namin gawin. Sistema namin nakuha namin kaya nagtuloy-tuloy na,” he added.
The Nationals scored a fitting follow-up to their 25-16, 25-16, 25-22 victory over Santa Rosa City four days ago and remained unbeaten with a 4-0 mark.
The Griffins, coming off a 22-25, 20-25, 24-26 loss to Cignal last Thursday, dropped to 2-2.
The Nationals shrugged off a slow start and charged back to take a 13-16 lead after a cross court hit by Almendras and then tied the score at 24-all.
In the extended play, a Jenngerard Diao hit and a kill from Malinis ended the set for NU-Sta. Elena.
The Nationals did not put their feet off the pedal and raced to a 21-15 advantage after a through the block hit from Malinis. Two consecutive errors from VNS-One Alicia gave NU-Sta. Elena a 2-0 set lead.
Kevin Montemayor led the Griffins with 14 points, while Kim Malabunga added 11 markers.
