National U kept stamping its class in its quest for a second championship, dispatching San Beda U, 25-15, 25-21, 25-23, and rolling into the semifinal round of the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
Nico Almendras put up a superb all-around performance of 13 points, 14 excellent receptions, and three digs as he powered the Bulldogs to their sixth straight victory and a spot in the Final Four of the pre-season tournament.
Obed Mukaba added 11 points on eight attacks, two kill blocks and an ace while Michaelo Buddin and Kennry Malinis backed them up with 10 and nine points, respectively.
Team captain Joshua Retamar, who missed NU’s last game due to a left ankle sprain, dished out 15 excellent sets and finished with two points in his return.
“Okay naman yung performance namin nung first two sets pero 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 NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin, whose wards topped the recent Spikers’ Turf.
“Siempre, 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 the Red Spikers with 12 attack points while Axel Van Book logged eight points and eight excellent receptions.
NU will go up against the winner of the Perpetual-Arellano quarters match on Nov. 23, Wednesday at 3 p.m.
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