Perpetual Altas spikers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Dennis Abrina/UPH
Throughout the final series, Perpetual needed to come from behind to stay afloat. On Thursday night, it went through the same route to finally finish on top.
John Patrick Ramos buried a smash off a perfect quick set by graduating setter Junjun Taneo to complete an epic comeback against Arellano, 23-25, 27-25, 25-19, 25-23, as the Altas claimed their 11th NCAA men’s volleyball crown.
The Altas lost the opening set, fought tooth and nail to level the match after two frames and then saw themselves in a deep 19-12 rut in the fourth set before unleashing a strong finishing kick.
“We didn’t want to give up the fourth set and risk playing a fifth-setter,” said Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar, who sobbed unabashedly in the din of revelry at the jam-packed FilOil Flying V Centre.
Taneo, Jobert Almodiel and Ronniel Rosales conspired late in the fourth set to complete the comeback which was highlighted by three straight kill blocks that sapped the energy of the Chiefs.
Taneo was named Finals MVP, which was a fitting tribute to his contributions to the school, which regained the title it last won two years ago.
“It was a great feeling. I can’t ask for more. The players gave it their all,” said Acaylar.
It was a double treat for Perpetual as it swept the juniors finals series following a 25-17, 25-17, 25-17 triumph over Letran early in the day.
Ivan Encila and Noel Kampton scored a combined 31 points for the Junior Altas to dominate the best-of-three finals.