NATIONAL University (NU)-Sta. Elena bucked a slow start to dismantle Army-Katinko Oil, 20-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-12, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Thursday at the Paco Arena.
The Nationals went on a rampage in the fourth set with a 16-6 salvo on the way to a 25-12 tally for the win.
“This is a new team, although we came from an international tournament, competing at home’s different,” NU-Sta. Elena Head Coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
Ahead by three, the Troopers finished off the first set with a 3-1 spurt capped by Benjaylo Labide’s kill for the early lead. But NU-Sta. Elena responded swiftly in the ensuing salvo for the equalizer, 25-20.
The Nationals’ solid net defense and Army-Katinko Oil’s errors highlighted NU’s 7-1 closing run in the third set to take the lead, 25-16.
Nico Almendras led NU-Sta. Elena with 18 points built on 15 attacks, two aces, one block and 12 excellent receptions.
“We had too many errors in the first set especially on our serves,” Almendras said. “But we made the adjustments and we lessened our errors.”
Obed Mukaba, a 6-foot-6 Congolese middle blocker, punished the Troopers by himself with six blocks to their opponents’ total five blocks. He finished 6 with 13 points.
Kennry Malinis added 12 points, while Michaelo Buddin got eight points in just two sets of play for NU.
PJ Rojas topscored for Army-Katinko Oil with 11, while John Diwa chipped in 10. Rey Taneo tallied 26 excellent sets along with four points and five digs.
NU-Sta. Elena joined Cignal and VNS as early leaders at 1-0, while the Troopers slid to 0-1, alongside Ateneo-Fudgee Barr and Santa Rosa City.
Army-Katinko Oil will aim for its first win on Saturday at 2:30 pm against the HD Spikers, while the Nationals will play on Tuesday at 2:30 pm against Navy.