Nationals complete Final 4 cast

Sta. Elena-national University emerged on top in a thrilling battle of power and nerves in the third set then wore down Navy in the fourth to pound out a 25-23, 22-25, 28-26, 2517 victory and complete the semifinal cast in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila Sunday night, Dec. 3.

The Pool A elims topnotchers also had to overcome the sidelining of Buds Buddin due to injury in the pivotal set, squeezing out the win on a Navy attack error and a power tip in a helterskelter finish to go up, 2-1.

While the Nationals sustained their charge in the fourth, the Sealions lost steam, enabling the former to cruise to an eight-point romp and complete the victory in two hours and 12 minutes of intense action.

“Finally, nakapag-semis din,” said

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Sa past leagues kasi namin, hirap na hirap kaming makapasok sa semis. Pero naging matyaga lang sila sa buong laro. Kahit down kami, nagagawa pa din ng paraan na makabalik.”

After taking the initial frame in close fashion, the National struggled trying to counter the Sealions’ strong surge in the next, setting the stage for at least a four-set finish in contrast to the first three knockout duels that all ended in straight-set wins by Perpetual, Cignal and Letran.

Navy actually gained control majority of the swing set but squandered two match points, the last at 26-25 on an Obed Mukaba net violation. But the Nationals took the next point and snatched the lead on the Sealions’ mishit before clinching the hotly disputed set.