Perpetual trims JRU in NCAA volleyball

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help overpowered a listless Jose Rizal U side, 25-19, 25-14, 25-20, to kick of its “drive for five”in the NCAA men’s  volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Neil Barry Ytorzaity, who has taken over the spot left by last year’s MVP Jay dela Cruz, unloaded a match-high 16 hits, including 10 kills, three blocks and three aces, to power the Altas to the straight-set victory,  their 48th in a row stretching four seasons.

But Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar said they’re more concerned on winning another championship than keeping the streak going.

In other results, Arellano University outlasted Mapua, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11, while College of St. Benilde routed Letran, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20.

Christopher Vhal Soriano and Benrasid Latip paced the Chiefs with 14 and 13 hits, respectively, while the Blazers, who made it to the semifinals last year, leaned on skipper Johnvic de Guzman’s 15 hits.

In women’s play last Wednesday, Perpetual Help and Arellano University downed Jose Rizal, 22-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-19, and Mapua , 25-12, 25-20, 25-20, respectively.

The Lady Altas bucked a faulty start with a strong finish as they turned back the vastly-improved Lady Bombers to set in motion their drive for a four-peat.

Rookies Ma. Lourdes Clemente and Cindy Imbo took over from last year’s MVP Honey Royce Tubino and leader Norie Jane Diaz by combining for 32 hits to lead the Las Pinas-based school the four-set win.