Sta. Rosa head coach Edu Lirio is set to reunite with his former star pupils this coming Saturday afternoon.
Lirio's Lions will face off against National University-Sta. Elena which features Nico Almendras and Joshua Retamar, who both played under the Sta. Rosa bench tactician during their high school days.
"For NU good luck po sa aking mga dating anak. Dalawa po 'yung anak ko doon si Joshua Retamar saka si Nico Almendras so good luck sa kanila," Lirio said after Sta. Rosa's four-set win over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr last Tuesday.
"Very proud ako sa mga batang iyon kasi si Joshua Retamar is my player Grade 7 pa po siya hanggang Grade 12. Marami kaming pinagsamahan nung batang 'yon even Nico."
Lirio expressed how proud he was to see his former players represent the country internationally.
Retamar, who was part of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games team, played a pivotal role in the Philippines' historical silver medal in the 30th edition of the biennial meet. He then teamed up with Almendras in the 31st SEA Games where they finished in fifth place out of seven teams.
Lirio, though, said that seeing the two up on the stage receiving their respective diplomas will make him even more proud.
"Super proud ako na they represent the Philippines na in a higher level pero para po sa akin, hinihintay ko po is makagraduate 'yung dalawa. 'Yun 'yung pinakatrophy ko."
Come gametime, the Lions head coach assured that his up-and-coming players will be ready to go up against one of the best collegiate programs in the country.
"Pero for me, si Daddy Edu ay nasa mga bata muna ngayon. Again, itong mga batang ito hindi sila magpapatalo."
