Perpetual Help spikers forge NCAA triumphs

Defending champion Perpetual Help edged Arellano University, 29-27, 25-17, 23-25, 17-25, 15-8, to seize the solo lead in the juniors division of the 91st NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City Wednesday.

Ivan Encila went on a spiking spree and unloaded a match-best 21 hits, 20 of which coming off attacks, while Darwin Salopaso, Ryuji Condrad Etorma and team captain Jody Margaux Severo added 15, 14 and 11, respectively, to help the Junior Altas grab the solo lead with a perfect 2-0 (win-loss) record.

The Las Piñas-based school, however, committed a whopping 45 errors, that almost cost it the match.

“There are still things that we needed to work on. It’s not easy, but we’re getting there,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta.

Jesus Valdez and skipper Aldimal Waham each unleashed 20 apiece but lost steam in the fifth and final set as the Braves fell from solo first to a share of second spot with San Sebastian College on 2-1 (win-loss) marks.

In men’s action, Perpetual Help trounced Arellano U, 25-21, 26-24, 25-22, to remain one of the three teams with an undefeated record with three wins.

Rey Taneo Jr., skipper Bonjomar Castel and Ranidean Phillipe Abcede combined for 37 hits to lead the way for the Altas, who are out to regain the title they lost to the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals.