Josh Retamar.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University captain Joshua Retamar and the Bulldogs left no stone unturned in their two-week training camp in Japan as they eye a rare “four-peat” in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament, which opens on February 17.
After sweeping all their 16 games last season, Retamar remained eager to get better against seven other schools, who took their respective programs to the next level to keep up with the gold standard set by NU the past three seasons.
“Nagfo-focus ako sa team ko dahil last year ko na ‘to. Gusto ko silang matuto lalo na yung consistency nila sa paglalaro ng volleyball kasi lahat ng team lumakas at may improvement,” said Retamar. “Kaya ang goal namin ay magawa yung sistema ni coach Dante (Alinsunurin) at maapply yung natutunan namin sa Japan para mag-champion ulit kami.”
(I’m focused on the team because this is my last year. I want my teammates to develop consistency because all of the teams got stronger and showed improvement. Our goal is to execute the system of coach Dante and apply what we learned in our Japan training camp for us to be champions again.)
The star setter has been training in Japan with NU and the Philippine men’s volleyball team since 2019. And in every camp, he learned new things from the Japanese, who are known for their world-caliber talent in volleyball.
“Marami kaming natutunan ngayon sa pagttraining namin sa Japan. Tinuruan kami paano mas ma-control yung bola and sa lahat ng movement sa paglalaro Sana magawa namin lahat yun sa darating na UAAP,” he said.
(We learned a lot during our training in Japan. They taught us better control of the ball and movement. I hope we’re able to show what we learned in the upcoming UAAP.)
Retamar added that his teammates became more enthusiastic and competitive, fortifying their cohesion and readiness two weeks before the UAAP.
NU is carrying a 34-game winning streak after sweeping the University of Santo Tomas, led by rookie MVP Josh Ybañez, in the Season 85 finals last year.
The Bulldogs, also bannered by Nico Almendras, Obed Mukaba, Michaelo Buddin, Leo Aringo, Leo Ordiales, and rookie sensation Jade Disquitado, ended the 25-game winning streak of the Cignal HD Spikers to rule the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference last December.
Retamar is cherishing his final collegiate year with NU as he is determined to end his UAAP career as a four-time champion.