Perpetual stops SBC, nears NCAA sweep games story…………

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help leaned on its reserves to rally past San Beda, 23-25, 25-19, 27-29, 25-15, 15-7, and inch closer to a sweep of the eliminations of the 91st NCAA men’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Down a set to two, Relan Tano, Neil Barry Ytorzaita and John Patrick Ramos stepped up and made crucial plays in the final two sets to help propel the Altas to their seventh win in a row.

The Altas moved two wins away from sweeping their elims assignments and gaining outright entry into the championship round with a thrice-to-beat edge.

“Our second group stepped up really big, that was crucial,” said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar.

For the Las Piñas-based school to accomplish a sweep, it will need to hurdle Emilio Aguinaldo College, the reigning champion, tomorrow and Letran on Sunday.

“We’re prepared for that and we expect a really good match,” said Acaylar, out to regain the title Perpetual lost to the Generals last year.

Just like its men’s squad, Perpetual Help’s juniors team also remained unscathed as it posted its fifth straight triumph at the expense of San Beda in a lopsided 25-14, 25-19, 25-8 result earlier.

The Sandy Rieta-mentored Junior Altas play the Brigadiers (5-1) and the Squires (2-4) in their final elims assignments to complete a sweep and book an outright trip to the finals.

In the women’s division, Perpetual Help downed San Beda, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22, to solidify its spot at No. 4 with a 5-2 record.

San Sebastian leads the way with a pristine 7-0 mark while defending champion Arellano U and St. Benilde are tied at No. 2 with 6-1 slates.