The NU-Sta. Elena Nationals bagged gold in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Tournament after dominating Cignal HD Spikers in a five-set championship match, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 15-8, last December 15 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Rookie and Finals Most Valuable Player Jade Disquitado steered the Nationals with 34 career-high points to overcome a 1-2 set deficit and secure the invitational title.

“Ang naging mindset ko lang is magtiwala ako sa sarili ko, magtiwala sa mga kasama ko na kaya namin,” Disquitado said.

NU Head coach Dante Alinsunurin highlighted how important this title is to him personally. “Ito rin ‘yung palaging sinasabi nila na ‘yung NU volleyball program ay talagang paangat nang paangat,” he shared.

Team captain and the tournament’s best setter, Joshua Retamar, delivered 29 excellent sets, while veterans Nico Almendras and Leo Aringo contributed 20 and 10 points respectively. Nationals’ Leo Ordiales secured a spot in the mythical selection and was named the Best Opposite Hitter.