MANILA, Philippines - After completing a sweep of both the NCAA men and women’s volleyball events, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) can’t wait to win another one.
Players and coaches of both teams expressed confidence the school can go for another twinkill next year following a dominant 87th season that saw the Lady Altas winning a breakthrough crown and the men’s side scoring a back-to-back – both of which via a rare 14-0 sweep.
“We can do it next year,” said Janice Abar, team captain of the Lady Altas as she and the rest of her victorious teammates appeared in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN accompanied by men’s team of captain Jay Dela Cruz, and men’s assistant coach Michael Carino.
Abar said only two members of the defending women’s champion will not be back next year, including libero Angelique Dionela.
Although his team will lose a handful of veterans, Dela Cruz believes the Altas are still up to the task of winning a third straight championship.
“We’re not a veteran team next year, pero paghahandaan namin ’yung season like what we previously did. Disiplina lang naman ang kailangan. Lahat doon nagsisimula,” said Dela Cruz in the same session presented by Smart, Pagcor, and Shakey’s.
The Lady Altas blasted the Letran Lady Knights, 25-15, 26-24, 25-10, for a two-game sweep of their best-of-three title series.
Not to be outdone, the Altas did the same thing against the San Beda Red Lions, 25-14, 25-14, 25-23.
It marked the first time a men and women’s team from one school won their respective events unbeaten the entire season, although San Sebastian also completed a sweep of the men and women’s NCAA volleyball titles from 1994 to 96, and in 2002.
While the championship was the first ever for the Lady Altas since entering the league in the 80s, the men’s side previously reigned as champions from 1985- to 89.