MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help blasted Mapua in two fronts to kick of its title-retention drive in the men’s and women’s divisions of the 88th NCAA indoor volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan last Tuesday.
The three-peat seeking Altas swept the Cardinals, 25-15, 25-19, 25-9, while the Lady Altas waylaid the Mapua ladies, 25-3, 25-14, 25-4.
April Ann Sartin returned from a one-year suspension and scored four hits while providing the needed defense that helped carry Perpetual Help to victory.
Honey Royse Tubino and reigning MVP Sandra delos Santos combined for 25 hits, including 18 kills for the Lady Altas.
Perpetual is out for a sweep of both the men’s and women’s indoor volley in a bid to challenge for the overall championship.
Jay dela Cruz, meanwhile, paced the Altas with 12 hits while Adam Daquer, Edmar Sanchez and Ralph Savellano came through with 11, 10 and nine points, respectively.
“It’s nice to start the season with a victory and we hope to keep it up,” said Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar.
In other results, San Sebastian turned back San Beda, 27-25, 25-19, 25-19, in the women’s side while San Beda beat San Sebastian, 25-11, 25-23, 25-19, in the men’s section.
Gretchen Soltones unloaded 14 kills to lead the Lady Stags while the trio of Gilbert Ablan, Lorenzo Capati and Christian Euciso took charge for the Lions with14, 12 and 12 hits, respectively.