Perpetual rules NCAA volleyball

PERPETUAL Help has won 11 NCAA men’s volleyball titles, but the one the Altas captured yesterday at the expense of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals could be the sweetest yet.

The Altas fought back from a six-point hole in the final set to hammer out a 25-22, 23-25, 29-27, 22-25, 17-15 victory for the title in the 91st NCAA volleyball competition before a raucous crowd at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“Nothing is impossible if you really want to win,” said Altas coach Sammy Acaylar. “I told them forget the score, forget everything and just play.”

Responding to their coach’s challenge, the Altas chipped away at the Generals’ advantage before finally nailing the crown on a Lewis Catipay service ace.

“I’m happy they showed the way we play Perpetual Help volleyball, with heart,” Acaylar said.

The Altas looked like goners when they fell behind, 5-11, in the deciding game of the winner-take-all duel. But Rey Taneo Jr. and Bonjomar Castel joined forces in a fiery windup that propelled the Altas to a 2-1 triumph in the series.

Taneo and Castel unloaded 18 hits apiece while Relan Taneo and Manuel Doliente scattered 11 points apiece for the Altas, who foiled the Generals’ bid for a second straight title.

The loss put to naught another big game from tournament Most Valuable Player Howard Mojica, who had a series-best 28 points.

Taneo was adjudged Finals MVP.

After picking up a second straight MVP in the women’s division, Gretchel Soltones powered the San Sebastian Lady Stags to a 25-22, 25-19, 26-28, 25-23 triumph over the St. Benilde Blazers and force a deciding game for the title on Friday.  Cedelf P. Tupas