By: Rom Anzures
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta won its fifth straight match after defeating San Sebastian College-Recolletos in four sets, 24-26, 25-17, 25-21, 25-19, in the NCAA Season 98 Mens’ Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the San Andres Complex in Manila.
Despite a 15-17 disadvantage in attack points, the Golden Stags managed to outlast the Altas in a tight first set since Perpetual committed eight errors but SSC-R only had three.
The Altas however, woke up and swept the next three sets – all thanks to the adjustments made by head coach Sammy Acaylar.
“I just told them na nevermind the first set and that they should develop their maturity and composure. I know na yung San Sebastian lumalaban sa’min, and we have good spiking. Pero ‘di namin natatapatan yung defense nila, so I just told them you just enjoy the game. So medyo nagbago yung (laro ng) team ko,” said Acaylar.
Perpetual led by as much as nine in the last set, 19-10, after a Joshua Zareno attack. Then Louie Ramirez put the finishing touches with two strong kills and gave the Altas the win.
Ramirez topscored for the Altas with 24 points, all coming from attacks. Zareno closely followed with 23, 19 from attacks. John Pepito contributed 12 excellent digs and 20 receptions for Perpetual, who improved to 5-0, number one in the league.
Kyle Villamor poured in 25 points for the Golden Stags who fell to 1-3. Jerick Cagang and Andrei Yape followed with 11 and 10, respectively.
Meanwhile, San Beda University bounced back from their five-set loss against EAC after sweeping Jose Rizal University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-18.
The Red Spikers were all business right from the opening set, outscoring the Heavy Bombers in attacks, 16-13, allowing them to break away towards the end of the first.
Both teams locked horns in the second and even got into a 22-all deadlock late in the set after a Ken Daynata attack. But Lorenz Calayag and Ryan Rosman scored three straight points to end the set – with two coming from blocks – and it was all San Beda from that point on.
Ralph Cabalsa was the game’s best player after scoring 20 points built on 16 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Rosman followed him with 18 points, while Calayag scored nine for the Red Spikers who improved to 3-2.
Matthew Miguel and Daytana each put up nine for JRU who fell down to 1-4.
