Perpetual closes in on volleyball titles

MANILA, Philippines - University of Perpetual Help System Dalta closed in on a double a championship after its men’s and women’s teams took Game One of their best-of-three title series in the 87th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Altas overpowered the listless San Beda Lions, 28-26, 25-22, 25-22, to go 1-0 up and move on the crest of successfully defending the men’s crown with a victory in Game Two tomorrow at the same venue.

“We’re closer to our goal, which is to successfully defend the title we won last season,” said Perpetual men’s squad coach Sammy Acaylar in Filipino.

The Lady Altas likewise inched closer to winning the crown but it took them more sets and some prayers to pull off a pulsating 25-16, 23-25, 25-27, 25-20, 15-10 squeaker over a stubborn Letran in the women’s side.

“It’s not yet over, we have Game Two to think about and we’re going all out to win it because this is our first women’s championship,” said Perpetual women’s mentor Mike Rafael.

Reggie Espeleta, Adam Daquer and Marcelo Joaquin led the attack for the Las Piñas-based school by peppering San Beda 12, 10 and 10 hits, respectively, and should continue to do so when they go for the jugular in Game Two.

The Lady Altas, for their part, drew strength from Sandra Delos Santos and Honey Royse Tubino, who unleashed a combined score of 39 hits, in taking the fight out of the Lady Knights in a win that the latter almost blew.

“We relaxed when we won the first set and it gave Letran the confidence to bounce back and take the next two,” said Rafael. “Good thing the girl woke up and rediscovered the form that got us here.”

Perpetual is gunning to end up with a double championship with title-clinching wins on Monday.

“The school is behind our teams and players, we will be there to pray, cheer and give them support,” said league president and policy board chair Anthony Tamayo of season host Perpetual.