NU-Sta. Elena downs Cignal to inch closer to Spikers' Turf title

National University-Sta. Elena is now a win away from the 2022 Spikers' Turf Open Conference title after taking down Cignal HD Spikers, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, on Thursday in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Michaelo Budin and Nico Almendras led NU-Sta. Elena with 22 and 20 points, respectively. Budin's 22 was anchored on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, while Almendras had 17 attacks.

Louie Ramirez led the HD Spikers with 14 points, while Marck Espejo and Ysay Marasigan had 13 points each.

NU-Sta. Elena head coach Dante Alinsunurin already has his eyes on the prize as they  try to claim the crown on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

"Sobrang masaya kami na nakuha namin itong Game One at s'yempre kailangan namin tapusin ito sa Saturday," he said.

—MGP, GMA News