Altas take title series opener in 3 divisions

On cusp of rare triple kill

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help moved to the cusp of snaring a rare triple crown in NCAA season 94 volleyball as its women’s, men’s and juniors teams drew first blood in their respective best-of-three championship matches yesterday.

The defending champion Altas survived some shaky moments in their clash for the crown with College of Saint Benilde but reasserted themselves when it mattered most, edging the Blazers in the fifth set, 23-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12.

UPHSD’s second victory in the day drew the school closer to its volleyball grand slam goal, with the reigning titlist Junior Altas doing their share with a 25-15, 25-19, 25-19 dumping of Letran in their division earlier.

Later in the night, the Lady Altas recovered from a slow start as they thumped reigning back-to-back champion Arellano University Lady Chiefs, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 to cap a winning day for the school at the Filoil Flying  V Center in San Juan.

UPHSD leveled the match in the second set then imposed its presence at the net, producing eight of its 10 blocks in the last two frames to seal the Game One victory.

“It all comes from the players’ desire to win. There’s no need for me to tell the players to do their job because we have the same goal which is to win the championship,” said Lady Altas coach Macky Cariño.

Cindy Imbo led the way for UPHSD with 18 points on top of 16 excellent receptions, Jhona Rosal had two blocks in her 12-point total while Shyra Umandal posted three denials in her 10-point finish. Hannah Suico also had 10 points for the Lady Altas.