Lady Altas off to rousing start in three-peat bid

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help smashed listless Mapua, 25-14, 25-11, 25-13, to jumpstart its three-peat feat bid at the start of the women's division of the 89th NCAA volleyball competitions Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Seasoned Norie Anne Diaz and Honey Rose Tubino fired 14 and 11 hits, respectively, while Shaira Cabriana facilitated the attack with 21 excellent sets while sneaking 10 hits herself including a match-high six aces to seal the lopsided win for the Lady Altas.

Perpetual made it a double victory for the day after earlier trouncing Mapua in another straight set triumph, 25-18, 25-13, 25-17.

Edmar Sanchez and Jay dela Cruz spearheaded the onslaught by unloading 12 and 10 hits to stretch the Altas streak to 34 straight matches that dates back from Season 86 three years back.

"We've prepared hard for this tournament and I think we have a strong chance of winning again this year with the seasoned players we have," said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar, the long time men's coach of the Las Pinas-based school who have also taken over the women's and juniors squads a few months back.

Emilio Aguinaldo likewise opened its campaign with a bang after it steamrolled Jose Rizal, 25-12, 25-19, 25-15 to seize an early share of the lead with the reigning women's back-to-back champion.

Charmille Belleza uncorked 14 hits while Maricar Aguares blasted away with 11 hits she spiced with 11 digs for the Lady Generals, who are hoping to duplicate, if not surpass, their strong Final Four run a season ago.