Perpetual unscathed in NC women's volley

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help overpowered a listless Mapua with plenty to spare, 25-1, 25-17, 25-9, over the weekend to remain unscathed and atop the standings in the 87th NCAA women’s indoor volleyball competitions at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The power-hitting pair of Sandra delos Santos and Honey Royse Tubino combined for 25 hits including 18 on kills as the Lady Altas recorded their second straight win to stay on top in this tournament it hopes to finally win after a failed try last season.

Arriane Mei Argarin, the team’s new setter, also came through as she unloaded 12 hits including 10 on service winners and aces while Norie Diaz scattered five kills that helped set the tone for the ghastly rout.

“Its a good start for us but we can’t relax and celebrate just yet because the torunament is just starting,” said Perpetual’s women’s team coach Mike Rafael in Filipino.

Perpetual’s men’s team likewise remain unscathed after smashing Mapua, 25-9, 25-11, 25-16, as it opened its bid for back-to-back championships in a tournament the former is expected to dominate.

“So far, so good but there are still a lot of things to improve on but we’ll be okay,” said Perpetual men’s squad mentor Sammy Acaylar.

The Lady Altas hurdled the Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-10, 25-11, 25-18, in their first outing.

The Altas likewise opened their title-retention bid with a bang after trampling the Pirates, 25-7, 25-13, 25-16.

Its high school team, which opened the season with a 25-16, 25-13, 25-16 triumph over Lyceum, drew a bye since Mapua didn’t field in a juniors squad.