Perpetual erases 4th set deficit, trumps Arellano for 11th NCAA volleyball title

NCAA Season 93 men’s volleyball champions: Perpetual Help Altas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

University of Perpetual Help displayed its championship poise and withstood Arellano University , 23-25, 27-25, 25-19, 25-23, to claim the NCAA Season 93 men’s volleyball crown Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The two sides were locked in an epic battle for the entire match and the Altas even found themselves trailing 19-12 in the fourth set but clawed their way back and blindsided the Chiefs for their 11th title.

Perpetual scored on back-to-back blocks to take the lead at 22-21 before Ridzuan Muhali converted on a crosscourt kill to send the Altas to the 24-22 match point.

Rey Taneo then put the Chiefs away with an inspired quick kill that landed squarely in the middle of Arellano’s defense.

“I always told my players that nothing is impossible,” said Altas head coach Sammy Acaylar in Filipino. “If you don’t give up, the Lord will give this win. So when we closed the gap I knew we never gave up.”

“This is my passion, I never counted my championships because this is the help I can give to the players who will be tasting their first title.”

Reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year Joebert Almodiel led the Altas with 19 points while Taneo Ronniel Rosales had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Christian Dela Paz had 16 points to lead the Chiefs.