University of Perpetual Help System DALTA made history after completing a three-peat in the NCAA Season 98 men’s volleyball tournament.
The Altas emerged victorious after taking down San Beda University in four sets, 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 in Game Three of the finals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Louie Ramirez, who was hailed Finals Most Valuable Player, exploded for 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to go along with 21 excellent receptions and 13 digs for Perpetual in the all-important match.
Meanwhile, Altas head coach Sammy Acaylar was crowned Coach of the Year after another stellar run with the Las Piñas-based spikers that saw them bag their 13th NCAA title.
“Actually, hindi ko naisip ‘yung NCAA Men’s volleyball talagang lumakas, nahirapan kami because some of my players are bago, pero the fact is kahit bago, we strived hard na manalo kami,” said Acaylar, the winningest men’s coach in NCAA history with 13 crowns.
After taking a quick 2-0 advantage in the do-or-die match, Perpetual experienced a minor setback in the third set after the Red Spikers used a 5-0 blast to knot things up at 13-all before eventually ending the frame with a 6-3 rally to keep their championship hopes alive.
San Beda once again threatened to extend the game in the fourth set after slicing a six-point, 14-20 deficit to just one, 20-21, after a Michael Medalla service error.
Ramirez, though, came to the rescue for the Altas and cashed in on back-to-back hits to give his team a three-point cushion. Lorenz Calayag’s service then sailed out before the Season 98 MVP nailed a cross-court hit for the championship.
Medalla and KC Andrade each had 12 points to backstop Ramirez while Jefferson Marapoc chipped in 11 markers.
JC Enarciso tossed 21 excellent sets while John Pepito collected 15 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Calayag paced the Red Spikers with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks while Ralph Cabalsa had 12 as well, laced with 11 excellent digs.
