Perpetual escapes Arellano in Game 1 thriller

MANILA, Philippines – Three-peat seeking University of Perpetual Help banked on their championship experience to escape Arellano University in five-thrilling sets, 27-29, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-9, in the 89th season of NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Friday.

Not wanting to waste another opportunity, Lady Altas mentor Sammy Acaylar regrouped his girls before entering the fifth and deciding set after failing to close out the penultimate canto.

“I told them to use their champion heart, all out na at hangga't maaari walang mali," Acaylar recalled.

The Las-Piñas based spikers responded and erupted for an 8-1 explosion to separate themselves with a seven-point-lead, 13-6, en route to victory.

"We worked hard for this, we studied the set play of the opponent kasi napakalakas talaga ng Arellano," said Acaylar.

Veteran and former MVP Honey Royse Tubino carried the load on her shoulders and scored 27 points, while Jamela Suyat and reigning MVP Norie Jane Diaz provided solid backup adding 14 and 13 markers each to seal game one that lasted two hours and 13 minutes.

Despite the win, back-to-back champion coach Acalyar was not pleased with the girls’ performance.

"But then hindi ako satisfied sa game," he said. "I told them na sa fourth set nag-relax na sila kaya nabigyan nila ng pagkakataon na makahinga 'yung Arellano."

The Lady Altas will try to reach their grand slam dream on Monday, while the Lady Chiefs are expected to stretch the series to game 3.