After a loss to College of Saint Benilde last Tuesday, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA was determined to bounce back in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament and dominated San Sebastian College-Recoletos in a three-set sweep, 26-24, 25-23, 25-16, Sunday at San Andres Gym.
According to Lady Altas head coach Sandy Rieta, she always reminds her players to enjoy the game but not to relax.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila naman lagi ‘in-enjoy natin ‘yung game pero wag kayo mag re-relax, kasi pag nag relax tayo sa isang idlap baka dikit na agad ‘yung score eh. Basta enjoyin lang nila pero naka-focus pa rin during the game,” said Rieta.
After a near loss in the second set, the Lady Altas started strong in the third by sparking a 10-2 run capped by Janine Padua’s block. The Lady Stags tried to reduce the deficit to six, 11-17, with Kamille Tan’s down-the-line kill. Still, Perpetual did not back down, as Kath Santos’s error brought the game to set point, 24-16, followed by Shail Omipon’s kill to seal the victory.
Omipon led the Lady Altas with 13 points on 12 attacks, one ace, including seven excellent digs, while Mary Rhose Dapol added 12 points on three aces, and Janine Padua contributed 10 points on nine attacks.
Marian Andal chipped in 14 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions, while Jasmine Sapin added 17 excellent sets.
On the other hand, for the Lady Stags, Katherin Santos led her team with 13 points on 13 attacks, and Kristine Dionisio contributed 10 points on nine attacks. Jewelle Bermillo chimed in with 10 excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Unfortunately, San Sebastian remains winless in five games, while Perpetual rose its record to 4-1.
In the first game, San Beda University secured its first win of the season, taking down Jose Rizal University, 25-22, 25-21, 25-16.
Head coach Ariel Dela Cruz said that the game was a big win for them, and the players’ hard work paid off.
“Sobrang saya kasi ‘yun nga uhaw kami sa panalo, then sabi ko nga galing tayo sa fifth set. Siguro sa sunod na laban — pag dating dito kayang-kaya natin i-straight set. Kung three man or 3-0 o 3-1, walang problema,” he said as his team lost to EAC in a five-set last Friday.
“At least, nagawa nila ‘yung — hinihingi ko lang sa kanila gawin nila kung ano ‘yung pinag practice-an namin. So, nagawa naman nila ‘yung the rest, and then kaya madali manalo,” Dela Cruz added.
In the fifth set, San Beda initiated a 5-1 run capped by Chy Castillo’s down-the-line kill to get the 10-4 cushion. However, the Lady Bombers trimmed down the deficit to three from Mailey Amante’s service ace.
Still, the Lady Red Spikers did not let JRU recover, as Danica Villanueva committed an attack error to get San Beda at match point 24-16. Max Tayag finished it with the kill for the last blow.
Klein Abraham scored 15 points, including two blocks and three service aces. Castillo also notched 15 points on 12 attacks, three aces, and three excellent receptions.
Kat Molina scored 14 points on 12 attacks with seven excellent digs and four excellent receptions, while Miles Gregorio put up 12 excellent digs.
On the opposing side, only two players got double-digit scores, with Karyla Jasareno producing 10 points on six attacks and three aces to lead JRU, and then Lyn Laurente added 12 excellent sets.
San Beda has a 1-4 slate with the win, while JRU is now on a five-game losing streak.
