NCAA men’s volley: Perpetual earns finals berth after elims sweep

University of Perpetual Help earned itself an automatic slot to championship round after surviving a grueling five-setter against defending champion St. Benilde in the NCAA Season 93 men’s volleyball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Altas ended the eliminations undefeated at 9-0 after the 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 15-9 victory and will wait for the stepladder matches between second seed Arellano, third seed San Beda, and the fourth seeded Blazers to determine their finals foe.

The 6-3 Blazers and 7-2 Red Spikers will be the first to play with the winner facing the 8-1 Chiefs in the final stepladder match.

Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar said winning the title won’t come down solely to the whoever makes the correct plays, but which team has the attitude to go all the way.

“It’s not about the Xs and Os anymore, the championship will be won by the team that is more mentally prepared,” said Acaylar, who is hoping to steer the school to its 11th title. “That is what we need to win this thing again.”