Retamar, Almendras share bittersweet Final reunion

The stage was set. 

Two former National University Bulldogs, Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras, found themselves back in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference final—a tournament they last conquered together during their storied collegiate careers. 

But this time, the familiar sight of them on the court carried an unfamiliar twist: they were now on opposite sides, vying for the same glory they once shared.

Retamar, orchestrating the offense for the powerhouse Cignal HD Spikers, and Almendras, anchoring the attack for the upstart Criss Cross King Crunchers, embodied two different yet equally compelling narratives heading into the championship match.

“Syempre, noong una, ayoko siyang pansinin. Kasi syempre, championship match. And panay-NU pa yung kalaban ko, sila (Francis) Saura,” Retamar shared after steering Cignal to the Invitational title. “Panay close ko pa sila. Kaya minindset ko, huwag ka muna sila pansinin. Mag-focus muna ako sa kailangan namin gawin, lalo na ako.”

Teammates since high school and brothers in competition, Almendras admitted that seeing Retamar across the net felt bittersweet. 

The two had shared countless battles and victories but were now fighting for their respective teams' destinies.

“Masarap na malungkot,” Almendras reflected. “Kasi since high school pa lang kami na ‘yung magkasama ni Owa eh. Sa lahat ng championship kami rin ‘yung magkasama, so malungkot din kasi ngayon isa na lang sa’min ni Owa ‘yung pwede mag-uwi nung championship.”

The tandem’s shared legacy speaks volumes. Together, they were instrumental in NU’s unprecedented four-peat in the UAAP, solidifying their place as one of the most dominant duos in collegiate volleyball history. 

In 2022, they carried the Bulldogs to one of their most memorable victories, dethroning the formidable HD Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals.

But in this year’s Invitational finale, the narrative belonged solely to Retamar and his brilliance as Cignal swept the King Crunchers, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, in a tightly contested knockout match. 

Retamar’s precision and composure were key as he orchestrated the offense that led Cignal to yet another title, leaving Almendras and his squad to settle for a valiant runner-up finish.

Reflecting on the journey, Retamar couldn’t hide his pride in their rookie campaigns. 

Both players have transitioned seamlessly from collegiate stardom to professional prominence, embodying the fighting spirit and excellence of the NU program.

“As NU pride din talaga na gusto namin champion pag naglaro agad kami,” Retamar said with a smile, his words echoing the deep-rooted culture of winning instilled in them from their days with the Bulldogs.

While Retamar now holds bragging rights over his former teammate, the respect and admiration between the two remain evident. 

For them, this chapter wasn’t just about winning or losing but a celebration of their growth and the bonds they’ve forged along the way.