UPH squads sweep beach volley plums

University of Perpetual Help bagged a fourth straight women’s crown while it’s men’s squad also prevailed in the 88th NCAA beach volleyball finals held at Boardwalk sandcourt in Subic Freeport, Zambales, over the weekend.

The pair of April Ann Sartin and  Norie Jane Diaz dominated the service, blocks and kills departments to stop San Sebastian’s Karen Berbano and Gretchen Soltones, 21-16, 23-21.

Diaz, a 19-year-old International Hospitality Management sophomore, was named Most Valuable Player while Perpetual mentor Miguel Rafael won Coach of the Year honors.

Sartin said the victory was a perfect graduation gift for her alma mater.

“I am graduating this school year and I’m really happy to be able to give this honor to my school again,” said Sartin, 22, who is also taking up IHM.

In men’s play, Perpetual Help’s Jay dela Cruz and Sandy Montero clinched the championship against  Letran, 21-17, 30-28.

It was the first NCAA title for Perpetual coach Sinfronio Acaylar, also the current national team tactician.  Dela Cruz took the MVP plum.