National University-Sta. Elena head coach Dante Alinsunurin was glad to see Joshua Retamar fill in the leadership role left by key veterans James Natividad, Edward Camposano, and Ricky Marcos, Tuesday.
With the troika out, Retamar gladly stepped up to the challenge and embraced the task to lead the young Nationals in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference.
“Masaya ako sa nagiging resulta ng laro niya. Although nung una medyo (may) struggle kami with communication sa kaniya, kung paano niya malalagpasan yun as a captain ball, as a setter na nasa loob ng court,” Alinsunurin shared following Sta. Elena-NU’s sweep of the semifinals.
“Itong semis, ‘di lang semis actually nung mga last two games namin sa elimination lumabas talaga yung pagka-leader niya sa loob. Nakita natin sobrang tahimik lang niyan, pero sa ibang bagay naman niya ginagawa, Sobrang masaya ako kasi nakita na niya kung (gaano) siya ka-importante sa loob ng court,” he continued.
Retamar spearheaded the Nationals’ four-set victory over VNS-One Alicia, 25-17, 20-25, 25-21, 27-25 on Tuesday that punctuated their impressive 4-0 run in the semifinals. He dished out 28 excellent sets in the win.
“Masaya po kasi yung pinagtrabahuhan namin everyday is hindi nasasayang and lumalabas siya sa court kapag naglalaro kami,” said Retamar. “Syempre mas todo pa sa training para pagdating sa game madali na lang maglaro.”
The Nationals will take on the Cignal HD Spikers in the Open Conference finale on Thursday at 5:30 PM.
