Defending NCAA champions University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas had to fend off the challenge of the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals. But in the end, finished the latter in straight sets, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20, Monday morning at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the first two sets as the Las Piñas-based squad could not pull away from the Cardinals. The Mapuans tightened up the defensive efforts to limit the title-holders.
Nonetheless, the Altas soared in the tail end of both frames with better execution in transition.
The Cardinals, however, threatened early in the third, as reception problems piled up for the Altas.
Errors after errors then took its toll on Mapua’s game, giving Perpetual the chance to get the lead. The Altas did not relinquish this advantage despite the comeback attempt from the opponents, as Rey Taneo Jr. finished the match on a down-the-line kill.
Allan Sala-an paced Perpetual with 13 points, nine coming from attacks, and three from service. Libero Jack Kalingking produced 10 digs and 18 excellent receptions.
Sala-an admitted that the Altas still have things to work on. He said, “Yung receive po namin kasi mahina kami sa receive. Yung setter po namin bago, so kailangan po mag-adjust.”
Outside hitter Rey Andaya led the flight for the Cards with 11 markers.
The Altas (3-1) will try to extend their winning streak when they face the struggling Letran Knights (1-3) on Wednesday, December 7. On the other hand, the Cardinals (2-3)will attempt to use the long break to regroup as they battle the LPU Pirates (2-1), Wednesday, the following week.
The Scores:
UPHSD (3) – Sala-an 13, Kasim 11, Taneo Jr. 10, Doliente 7, Ramos 7, Rosales 3, R. Taneo 2, Narvasa 1, Atentar 0, S. Taneo 0, Kalingking L, Balmores L.
MIT (0) – Andaya 11, Egan 7, Navera 5, Pertierra 4, Damian 3, Pagulong 3, Evangelista 1, Hizon 0, Vargas 0, Bondoc 0, Canlas L.
