Four of the seven starters from the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta have already moved on in their careers, paving the way for new Altas players to make their mark.
The four-time NCAA defending champions lost their core, led by former MVP Louie Ramirez, who is now with Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf.
Also gone during Perpetual’s buildup for Season 100 in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge are libero Philip Pepito – who has joined Criss Cross – setter JC Enarciso, and middle blocker Michael Medalla.
Now, the Altas are looking to KC Andrade, Jefferson Marapoc, and Klint Mateo as their new leaders in the V-League. They recently pulled off a huge upset against Far Eastern University last Thursday at the Paco Arena, winning 23-25, 15-25, 26-24, 25-21, 15-6.
“Actually kasi, lagi kong sinasabi sa team ko na we have to accept na wala na si Louie, wala na si Pepito, wala na si Enarciso, wala na si Medalla,” said head coach Sammy Acaylar, discussing the mindset of the remaining players.
“Tanggapin natin yun, tapos i-challenge natin yung sarili natin na hindi pwedeng porket wala na sila ay idadown na natin yung sarili natin. Kayo na ngayon ang mag-aangat sa eskwelahan natin,” he continued.
(C) V-League Images
The Altas are responding to the challenge, riding a two-game winning streak after dropping their first match in the V-League.
These two victories were impressive, both coming in five sets – one against Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the other against FEU.
For Acaylar, his confidence in his team never wavered despite losing his core players. He continues to trust his system, which has already produced multiple championships for the Las Piñas-based school.
“Number one, dahil yan sa training namin na habang tumatagal sila nang tumatagal, nagiging diesel sila eh,” he said, explaining the team’s ability to perform its best, especially in the fifth set.
“Nakukuha nila yun sa program ko kaya sabi ko sa kanila, kahit natalo tayo ng isa o dalawang set, huwag niyong intindihin yun. Dahil sa huli, umaangat nang umaangat yung laro at energy namin kaya nagiging maganda ang resulta.”
