Unbeaten Perpetual Help nears NCAA crown but coach wants more

Perpetual Help Altas. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Perpetual Help took the all-important Game 1 of the NCAA Season 98 men’s volleyball Finals after sweeping San Beda, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22, on Tuesday.

Coach Sammy Acaylar, however, was not satisfied with his players’ performance despite the dominant win that hiked the Altas’ impressive winning streak to 32 games dating back to Season 93.

“Their energy and intensity today, I didn’t see. I told them, that’s not your game. Maybe it affected their psychological selves, maybe they’re too excited. I just want to see their real game. Even in the third set, I didn’t see it,” said Acaylar in Filipino at San Juan Arena.

Louie Ramirez was the fire-starter for the Altas in the deciding third set, spearheading a pivotal 8-1 run that broke a 9-all deadlock.

Ramirez scored a game-high 17 points but was capable of doing so much more as far as Acaylar is concerned.

“I’m not satisfied with his game. I told him that, myself. I told him, did you feel anything wrong, physically or mentally? Because that’s not your game,” said Acaylar, whose squad shoots for another perfect season in Game 2 on Friday.

Jeff Marapoc also came up big for Perpetual Help, converting on a quick attack for a 24-17 lead before clinching the match after San Beda went on a 5-0 run. Marapoc finished with 13 points.

Michael Medalla eased Perpetual’s scoring problems with 10 points while JC Enarciso finished with 16 excellent sets that went with six points.

Lloyd Jon Sarmiento paced San Beda with 16 points.