Perpetual Help eyes twice-to-beat berth vs Letran

MANILA, Philippines -- Perpetual Help shoots for a twice-to-beat advantage as it faces off with an already-ran Letran in Sunday's final elimination round playdate in the men's division of the 91st NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

With their sweep bid nipped in the bud following a painful 20-25, 22-25, 17-25 defeat to reigning champion Emilio Aguinaldo Friday, the Altas shoot for a twice-to-beat Final Four incentive instead with a victory in their 2 p.m. duel with the Knights.

A win will give the Las Pinas-based school a chance to avenge its bitter defeat to EAC since the two will end up tied on top with an 8-1 (win-loss) record, thus forging a playoff for the top seeding on Monday.

And that is foremost in the minds of Perpetual Help.

"We just want the twice-to-beat incentive and hopefully get that chance of getting back at them (EAC)," said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar.

Like its men's team, the Junior Altas, the defending titlists, were also foiled in their hope of sweeping the elims after dropping a heartbreaking 27-25, 21-25, 21-25, 25-21, 7-15 defeat to the Brigadiers.

But if Perpetual Help could hurdle Letran, it will end up with the incentive and a playoff with EAC (6-1) for the top seeding.