For possibly the last time this season, captain Owa Retamar is looking to add more sacrifices in National University's four-peat bid as the Bulldogs try to clinch the title against University of Santo Tomas in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball Finals on Wednesday, May 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Making his parents proud, the 22-year-old playmaker recently graduated from his Financial Management course at National U. With the diploma already in one hand, Retamar is eyeing to capture the championship trophy and completely give back to his school for all the resources it has provided him.

Still, there is more to sacrifice for the national team setter as the Bulldogs seek to extend their dominance in the men’s tournament. 

The reigning UAAP Best Setter led his wing spikers to a balanced scoring in Game 1, which was the key to their eventual victory. 

“Siguro willing ko pa i-sacrifice ‘yung time ko para magpahinga and then even ‘yung time ko para gumala. Siyempre dapat mag-celebrate na ako ngayon dahil graduate na ko pero mas pinipili ko ‘yung team kasi gusto kong may maiwan ako para sa kanila. Para sa susunod na UAAP season,” Retamar said. 

“Kaka-graduate ko lang ‘yun kasi talaga ‘yung dream ko and para sa mga magulang ko. Ngayon naman ‘yung pagkapanalo namin sa Game 1 inaalay ko talaga para sa school. Kumbaga ‘yung scholarships na binibigay sa amin at para sa team namin, sa budget na ina-allot sa amin, dito namin maipakita o maibalik ‘yung binibigay nila sa amin,” he added. 

NU lifted five collegiate trophies out of its past eight consecutive appearances all under the guidance of long-time mentor Dante Alinsunurin. 

Never losing trust in each other, Retamar keeps Alinsunurin in mind through all the pressure that surrounds their championship series. 

“Si coach Dante kasi nag tiwala talaga ako sa kanya. Simula first year ko at sa national team, nag tiwala rin siya sa akin. ‘Yun ang ayokong mawala ‘yung tiwala sa isa’t isa,” he said. 

In their ninth appearance, the Bulldogs drew first blood over the Josh Ybañez-led Golden Spikers to lead the series, dominantly and timely beating them for the first time this season. 

It took some time, but when it came, it was for the better of it. 

Before Retamar head straight to pursuing the pro rank and committing to his national duties full-time, he is making sure the NU side remains grounded, with no assurance yet of the title, but only a chance to make it happen in Game 2. 

“Mas paghahandaan namin. Makikita niyo na mas ganado ‘yung team namin na manalo para makuha agad ‘yung four peat,” Retamar said. 

“Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila hindi pa tayo four-peat champion. Hindi pa natin nakukuha ‘yung goal natin. Kaya hindi pwede mag-relax. Hindi porket nanalong Game 1, champion agad. Lalaban at lalaban pa rin talaga ‘yung UST.”

“Kung ano mang mangyari all out talaga,” he concluded.