Perpetual seniors enter NCAA volley finals; junior squad also on track

MANILA, Philippines - University of Perpetual Help System Dalta’s men’s and women’s teams overpowered their respective foes to barge into the championship round in the 87th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Altas, the reigning champions, walloped the Arellano U Chiefs, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17, to arrange a best-of-three title showdown with the San Beda Lions, who made it through with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 win over the St. Benilde Blazers.

The Lady Altas, out to win it all after failing to win it all last season, likewise were emphatic as they thumped down the Letran Lady Knights, 25-16, 25-19, 25-15, to arrange their own championship duel in the women’s side.

That put both the Perpetual Help teams closer to a title sweep as both squads have won all their first nine matches including three each in the semifinals where they outclassed their opponents.

“We’ve accomplished our first goal, which is to make the finals,” said Lady Altas coach Mike Rafael in Filipino. “Now we’re hoping to achieve our next and biggest goal, which is to win it all.”

Perpetual men’s team mentor Sammy Acaylar was a little more optimistic.

“We have a strong chance of winning it again this year,” said Acaylar. “But for us to win we must not be overconfident.”

In high school action, Perpetual dealt Emilio Aguinaldo its first setback of the season with an inspiring 26-24, 26-28, 25-21, 24-26, 16-14 triumph to forge a three-way tie at the helm with its victim San Sebastian and a chance for a potential sweep of all three division titles.

But the Junior Altas failed to advance though as they emerged with the lowest quotient score, sending the Brigadiers and the Junior Stags in the best-of-three finale.

“We’re still on track as our men’s and women’s volleyball teams have strong chances of winning the title,” said league president and policy board chair Anthony Tamayo of season host Perpetual.