Altas recover, down Chiefs to force NCAA Finals decider

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Perpetual Help regrouped after a third set meltdown to beat Arellano University, 26-24, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16, in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 93 men’s volleyball Finals Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Altas extended the championship round to a deciding Game 3 on Thursday but not after recovering from a major collapse in the third set where they blew a 21-12 lead.

Perpetual Help head coach Sammy Acaylar said his team’s meltdown was all “psychological” as his players tend to let their guards down when leading.

“We relax big time whenever we take a huge lead,” Acaylar told reporters in Filipino. “But that’s not to take anything away from Arellano. Arellano is a very good team. They play with heart.”

The Altas, who weathered the Chiefs’ comeback in the opening set, restored order in the fourth set behind their graduating setter Warren Catipay and hard hitters led by rookie MVP Joebert Almodiel.

Catipay dished out 40 excellent sets while Almodiel finished with 13 points. Four others notch double-digit scoring for Perpetual Help with Ridzuan Muhali firing a game-high 15.

“We need to work harder for us to win the championship,” said Catipay.

Ronniel Rosales also shot 13 while Rey Taneo chipped in 11 points for the Altas, who redeemed themselves after a stunning loss in the finals opener on Friday.

John Joseph Cabillan scored 12 points for the Chiefs, who nearly stole the first set after climbing back from a 20-11 hole.