National University-Sta. Elena is a win away from sweeping the 2022 Spikers' Turf Open Conference elimination round.
But standing on the Nationals' way is none other than two-time defending champion Cignal.
And for NU-Sta. Elena head coach, their matchup on Tuesday, 5:30 pm, against the powerhouse HD Spikers is the ultimate test for his wards.
"Masusubukan talaga 'yung team namin ngayon kung hanggang saan kami kasi ito naman 'yung hinihintay namin," said the bench tactician who also handles the Philippine men's national volleyball team.
"Lalaban kami. Ibibigay talaga namin 'yung best namin pagdating sa Tuesday."
Leading the way for the Nationals will be spikers Nico Almendras, Kennry Malinis, and rookie Michaelo Buddin; backstopped by 6-foot-6 middle blocker Obed Mukaba.
Orchestrating the full force offense for NU-Sta. Elena is national team member Joshua Retamar, who echoed Alinsunurin's sentiments.
"Gagawin namin 'yung best namin."
"Kung makakuha sila sa amin ng puntos, paghihirapan nila yun," exclaimed Retamar, who is currently second in the Best Setter race next to PGJC-Navy's EJ Casaña.
Expected to lead Cignal would be three-time Spikers' Turf Conference MVP Marck Espejo.
