National U-Sta. Elena moved a win away from sweeping the elims as it drove past Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, in the 2022 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, Saturday at Paco Arena.
The romp was the Nationals’ fifth straight overall and third straight-set win in-a-row as they primed up for their keenly awaited clash with the Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday in what many billed as a preview of the title duel.
"Masusubukan talaga 'yung team namin (against Cignal) kung hanggang saan lang kami kasi ito naman talaga 'yung hinihintay namin na makalaban talaga namin 'yung club team na buo," said NU-Sta. Elena head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Nico Almendras and Michaelo Buddin unloaded 10 points each for the Nationals with the former adding 14 excellent receptions as well.
Joshua Retamar finished with 13 excellent sets to go with five points on three attacks and two blocks.
Ateneo closed out with a 1-5 card, leaving VNS (2-3), Army and Santa Rosa, with identical 1-4 slates, to dispute last Final Four seat.
Amil Pacinio returned after missing their last game and contributed five points along with 13 excellent receptions and five digs.
