Altas dominate NCAA beach volleyball

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help missed scoring a sweep but dominated the NCAA beach volley tournament just the same, winning the men’s and women’s crowns while finishing second in the juniors side at the Boardwalk of the Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales City recently.

Jay dela Cruz and Sandy Montero turned back the Letran pair of Rudy Gatdula and Erickson Ramos, 21-17, 30-28, to nail the Altas their first men’s title after three straight runner-up finishes. 

“We were always second the last three years and we’re happy we finally clinched it this year,” said Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar, who dedicated the win to Perpetual Help owner Antonio Tamayo and his son Management Committee representative Anthony.

Last year’s MVP April Anne Sartin and Norie Jane Diaz made it a double celebration after the tandem completed a 13-game sweep of the women’s division they capped with a 21-13, 21-18 win over San Sebastian’s Czarina Karen Berbano and Gretchel Soltones in the finale.

It was the second championship for the Mike Rafael-mentored Lady Altas and fourth in row for Perpetual Help, setting the gold standard for women’s beach volleyball. 

“We’re looking at a possible five-peat feat next year because we will have the same players,” said Rafael.

Emilio Aguinaldo, however, spoiled Perpetual’s sweep bid as Jopet Adrian Movido and Toshihiro Wada foiled Perpetual’s Jherald Martinez and Christopher Soriano, 21-10, 20-22, 15-12, to cop the high school crown.

Movido ended up the high school MVP while Jay dela Cruz and Norie Anne Diaz, both of Perpetual, took the men’s and women’s MVPs, according to tournament director Efren Gaa and chief organizer Paul Supan of Jose Rizal.

In chess, San Sebastian waylaid Lyceum, 3.5-0.5, to remain in the lead in the seniors division of the NCAA chess tournament at SM Centerpoint in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Adrian Perez, Jason Mercado and Louie Salvador provided the wins on boards one to three while Arvie Jongko drew with Christian Hipolito on the fourth board to complete the rout, giving the Stags a total of 40 points, 1.5 points ahead of St. Benilde.

Arellano U, meanwhile, posted its third straight shutout 4-0 win in the second round, beating Jose Rizal to stay in front.

The Junior Chiefs are out to clinch the second round pennant to force a final showdown with first round pennant winner Letran, which trails Arellano by one point.