By Kristel Satumbaga
National University expects a tough ride towards its three-peat bid in UAAP Season 82 men’s volleyball which fires off Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NU Bulldogs celebrate during the UAAP Season 81 volleyball men’s Finals (MB Photo / Rio Leonelle Deluvio, File)
The Bulldogs will be hard-pressed in retaining their crown as two-time Finals Most Valuable Player Bryan Bagunas, Kim Malabunga and Francis Saura have exhausted their playing years.
Despite the trio’s exit, though, NU coach Dante Alinsunurin is optimistic his squad, composed of a mix of veteran and rookie players, will be right there competing.
“Our main goal is to defend the crown. Wala kaming palalagpasing opportunity,” said Alinsunurin, who also mentored the national men’s volleyball team in its silver medal finish at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Setter Joshua Retamar and libero Ricky Marcos are expected to anchor the Bulldogs to the podium following their SEA Games experience along with skipper James Natividad, Nico Almendras and transferee Ed Camposano.
Alinsunurin hopes their two-week training stint in Japan last January strengthened his athletes’ resolve.
“Excited kami kasi eto yung gusto naming mangyari for men’s volleyball. Kaya sabi ko sa kanila, every time na may opportunity, ibigay lang ang best nila para itaas yung level ng play nila,” Alinsunurin said.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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