Defending champion University of Perpetual Help System DALTA made short work of Jose Rizal University, 25-14, 25-23, 25-7, to remain unblemished in the NCAA Season 95 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Outside hitters Louie Ramirez and Hero Austria steered the Altas to their 18th straight win since they won the NCAA 93 title.
Sophomore Ramirez ended with 12 points off nine attacks and three blocks, while rookie Austria added 10 markers, six of them coming from the service line in the match that lasted just 55 minutes.
Head coach Sammy Acaylar felt visibly upset after that second-set tussle despite the win. “Nag-struggle kami kasi naging overconfident. Second, nawala na lang ng set play ‘yung setter. Hindi na siya nag-isip ng ise-set play niya.”
Last year’s Best Setter EJ Casana only managed to put up 10 excellent sets, his season-low. Nonetheless, Perpetual managed to get their offense mostly from out-of-system attacks for a total of 36 spikes.
“In terms of skills naman, gusto kong mag-focus kami sa blocking,” the decorated mentor shared on what they still need to work on. “Sa volleyball kasi mas nauuna ‘yung depensa sa block bago sa baba.”
Lester Villaceran, who played in lieu of the injured June Laxina, led the Heavy Bombers with eight points on seven spikes and a block.
The Altas will go for another win when they face Arellano University on Wednesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. JRU will take on undefeated Emilio Aguinaldo College (4-0) on Thursday, January 30 at 3:30 p.m.
