PERPETUAL Help dominated Jose Rizal University, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19, to snare the lead from reigning titlist Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 91st NCAA men’s volleyball tournament yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Skipper Bonjomar Castel and Rey Taneo Jr. finished with 12 and 11 hits, respectively, as the Altas nailed their fifth straight victory to vault past the Generals, who beat them in last year’s finals.
“If we keep on playing with this kind of killer instinct, we’ll have a chance to get that championship,” said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar.
Earlier, Lyceum of the Philippines U dealt EAC its first defeat in six starts, 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 18-25, 16-14.
Aram Abrencillo and Joeward Presnede came through in the fifth and deciding set and finished with 17 and 15 hits, respectively, to help the Pirates snatch the biggest upset of the season thus far.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Howard Mojica unloaded a match-best 29 points for EAC .
“We made some key adjustments that really turned the tide in our favor,” said Lyceum mentor Emil Lontoc.