Nico Almendras left it all out on the floor in Game One, leading National University-Sta. Elena to a four-set victory over defending champion Cignal to move on the cusp of the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Thursday.
He finished with 20 points, 17 of which came from the attack line, to go along with 10 excellent receptions and nine digs to help the Nationals take a 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18 victory over the back-to-back champions.
And Almendras looks to sustain his fine performance as he eyes to finish off the job come game Two on Saturday.
“Sobrang happy and syempre yung tinitraining namin ayun, lumalabas sa court. Ipagpapatuloy namin para makuha namin yung (championship),” said Almendras after the victory.
NU-Sta. Elena’s ace hitter said that he needed to overcome jitters at the start of the game but was glad that the school’s drummers were there to help him and the team move past it.
“Syempre po meron para sa akin kasi yung mga teammates ko medyo first time nila sumali sa ganitong level and yung kaharap namin kasi number one club team ‘yan pero masaya kami dahil nakuha namin yung panalo,” said Almendras.
“Nakadagdag siya (sa morale) kasi pinu-push kami, sa pagchi-cheer sa amin. Sobrang saya namin na binigyan kami ng NU ng drummers kahit kaunti lang,” he added.
Almendras and co. looks to put an end to the HD Spikers’ reign on Saturday at 5:30 PM.
