University of Perpetual Help System DALTA bucked a lethargic start to overcome a gutsy stand from Emilio Aguinaldo College, 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-17, and gain crucial footing in the NCAA Season 95 Women’s Volleyball Semifinals race, Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Altas elevated their record to 6-2 to firm up their grip of solo third ahead of idle San Beda, which holds a 5-2 card.
“Sobrang bagal mag start talaga, sobra. Sobrang relax kasi galing kami doon sa pangit na performance against San Beda. So kinausap ko sila tapos sabi ko, challenge natin sarili natin for today’s game na kailangan makuha ulit natin ‘yung panalo, maghanap ulit tayo ng winning ways,” Perpetual head coach Macky Cariño said.
“Buti nalang after ng first set, nagusap usap kami, nagbago ako ng pwesto tapos recover sa ginawa and then maganda ‘yung performance noong last three sets,” he added.
Jhona Rosal delivered the goods with 17 points built on 15 attacks and two aces while Yanca Tripoli contributed 11 points spiked by three each of blocks and aces.
Dana Persa and Jenny Gaviola flaunted their all-around wares in the match that lasted for almost an hour and forty minutes. The former churned out 11 markers, 12 digs and six receptions as the latter put up another double-double performance, this time to the tune of 10 points and 14 excellent sets.
“Maganda na rin ‘yung anong naging resulta, at least kahit papaano, kahit lousy ‘yung performance namin today, kahit medyo ilang at medyo erratic, nanalo kami. Pangdagdag ba ng morale, ‘di ba?” Cariño said.
The Lady Generals, on the other hand, could not capitalize on their breakthrough win against San Sebastian last Thursday, falling to 1-7.
Cathrine Almazan — who dropped a season-high 30 points in the rare triumphant moment for EAC — finished with 16 points. She also had 14 digs and six receptions that went for naught. Krizzia Reyes also managed 16 markers in a losing cause.
Perpetual seeks to secure its place in the post-season when it faces Letran. Meanwhile, EAC tries to conclude its campaign on a positive note when it battles Arellano. Both matches will be held on Thursday, February 13, at the same venue.
