League-leading University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas shook off the challenge of the San Beda Red Spikers in a gruelling five-setter to remain undefeated, while the Arellano University Chiefs outclassed the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in straight sets and fortified their semifinals bid, Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Center, San Juan City.
The Altas disposed of a 2-1 set deficit to dispatch the dangerous Red Spikers in five sets, 23-25, 25-19, 27-29, 25-15, 15-7, and moved to 7-0 win-loss record to inch closer to a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. San Beda rose to clinch the opening set with crucial rejections and hits from middle blocker Earl Gonzales. In the second set, Perpetual adjusted and got their bearings to level the match, fuelled by their wing attackers, Rey Taneo Jr. and Allan Sala-an.
In the third set, Red Spiker Adrian Viray entered and provided some clutch attacks to carry his team to within a set of stunning the Altas. In the next two sets, however, errors piled up for San Beda, making it easier for the opponent to get the win. The Altas also turned to their defense to jumpstart their offense, anchored on libero Jack Kalingking. The defense specialist had 11 digs and 21 excellent receptions to help the Altas carve the victory.
San Beda setter Carlo Desuyo provided 21 excellent tosses to orchestrate the offense of his squad. Desuyo’s setting helped the Red Spikers out-gun the Altas on attacks, 61-53, the first time a team has out-scored Perpetual in the category. Mark Enciso paced the Mendiola-based team, with 16 of his 19 points coming from spikes. Rey Taneo Jr. led the net patrol for the Altas, scoring 4 of his 14 points on blocks.
The Scores:
UPHSD (3) – Sala-an 14, Rel. Taneo 12, Abcede 10, Rey Taneo 9, Castel 8, Ytorzaita 6, Ramos 5, Doliente 3, Catipay 1, Kasim 0, Kalingking (L), Baroy (L)
SBC (0) – Encisco 19, Mascariñas 15, Zabala 10, E Gonzales 8, Viray 6, Desuyo 5, Manliclic 4, BJ Gonzales 0, Casin (L)
Boosted by the result of the earlier match, the Chiefs clinched their fifth victory of the season over the Heavy Bombers in three sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-20, fortifying their chance for the playoffs. Arellano did not let up throughout the match, even as the Bombers threatened in some crucial stretches.
The Chiefs led by a comfortable margin on blocks, 12-5, and closely trailed on attacks, 28-30, to secure the win. The most crucial stat, however, was the 32 errors that the Heavy Bombers committed, which made the win smooth-sailing for Arellano.
Kenneth Aliyacyac was the lone player in double figures for the Chiefs with 12 points, 9 coming from attacks. Joseph Cabillan had 9 markers to lead the supporting crew for the last year’s semifinalists. Wing attackers Joshua Manzanas and Roden Pulongbarit paced the JRU troop with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Scores:
AU (3) – Aliyacyac 12, Cabillan 9, Liberato 8, Latip 6, Segovia 6, Digal 1, Santo 1, Sarino 0, Soriano 0, K Arellano 0, Meneses 0, Dela Cruz (L).
JRU (0) – Manzanas 12, Pulongbarit 11, Sioco 7,Rabaja 4, Plastina 3, Castillo 2, Dampitan 1, Ferwelo 0, Lahaylahay 0, Flor (L), Defensor (L).
