Perpetual men’s, women’s teams trip Letran spikers

MANILA, Philippines—University of Perpetual Help crushed its foes in the men’s and women’s division, fanning its championship bid in the volleyball competitions of the 87th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Altas, the defending men’s titlist, dismissed the listless Letran Knights with a quick, merciless 25-16, 25-13, 25-23 victory and nailed their fourth straight win and moved them to solo second place behind the pace-setting Arellano U.

The idle Chiefs sit alone on top with a 6-0 (win-loss) card.

More importantly, the Las Piñas-based team clinched the second Final Four slot and is slowly putting itself in prime position to successfully defend the championship it won with an impressive run last year.

“We’re slowly but surely getting to a position where we want to, which is to win the championship again this season,” said Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar in Filipino.

The Lady Altas, for their part, made the Final Four as early as last week but showed everyone they’re not relenting as they turned back the feisty Lady Knights with a gripping 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 triumph.

It was the Mike Rafael-coached Lady Altas’ seventh win in row. Perpetual continued to pull away in the women’s division, gaining momentum going into the semifinals.

And Rafael isn’t letting the holiday season to get into their training regimen.

“If we want to continue to play like this, we have to stay in shape so we will continue training except for Christmas Day, Dec. 26 and New Year’s Day,” said Rafael.

Perpetual is looking to at least send all its volleyball teams—men’s, women’s and juniors—to the finals and gun for a rare sweep in the sport.

It can be recalled that Perpetual also sent all its beach volley teams in the first semester to the finale but only the Lady Altas emerged with a championship.

“We’re proud of our players, we will always be there to support and cheer them,” said league president and NCAA policy board chair Anthony Tamayo.