NU’s Alinsunurin singles out 6th UAAP crown as ‘most memorable’

MANILA, Philippines – Winning his sixth championship in the UAAP, National University head coach Dante Alinsunurin said the Season 86 men's volleyball tournament title is the most memorable thus far. 

NU saw its incredible 34-game win streak snapped in the first round of the tourney in straight sets at the hands of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers. 

After the shock loss, UST came back from being two sets down to sweep the elimination round series with the four peat-seeking Bulldogs.

But the Bulldogs would go back to the finals — a round they are very familiar with — where they would face their tormentors. 

In the best-of-three championship series, the Sampaloc-based squad would yield just one set and take home its fourth straight gold medal. 

After the game, Alinsunurin acknowledged the tough journey the team had to go through to bring home the bacon anew. 

"Based sa naging experience ko, ito talaga iyong naging medyo mabigat. Although, ang naging maganda rito yung players talaga nakita ko talaga na gustong-gusto nilang mag-champion kasi bawat training namin, tinatrabaho nila yung kung anong gusto nilang gawin na dapat gawin," he told reporters.

"Ginawa nila iyong ano iyong adjustment na dapat gawin kaya sobrang thankful ako sa naging leadership ng mga seniors namin sa sitwasyon na ito na gusto talaga nilang makuha yung championship," he added. 

"Kaya sobrang memorable itong naging championship namin kasi talagang credit talaga sa players na nagawa namin ito." 

On Wednesday afternoon, Buds Buddin exploded for 28 points off 22 attacks, five blocks and a service ace to clinch the win. 

Leo Aringo added 22, while the graduating team captain Nico Almendras chipped in 20. 

Finals Most Valuable Player Owa Retamar had three points and 26 excellent sets. 

Almendras and Retamar have both used up their playing years and will not be returning to the team next season.

Despite their departures, the mentor said the team’s recruitment program continues.

"Meron din naman kaming mga naka-ready na players na anytime mawala sila, may susunod na papalit. Sana lang maging successful yung gagawin namin para marating namin ulit yung ganitong klaseng... pagdating ng UAAP, makuha namin ulit iyong finals."