TEAMS armed with twice-to-beat advantages wasted no time asserting their edge, sweeping past their quarterfinal opponents to complete the Final Four cast in the NCAA Season 101 Juniors Volleyball tournament on Monday at the Arellano Gym in Pasay City.
Defending champion Perpetual Help Junior Altas moved a step closer to retaining their crown after turning back the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers in four sets, 18-25, 25-20, 25-12, 25-19, in a match that lasted one hour and 36 minutes.
Under coach Sandy Rieta, Perpetual arranged a best-of-three semifinal showdown against the Mapua Red Robins on Thursday.
Mapua also advanced convincingly, dispatching LPU-GenTri in straight sets, 25-17, 25-16, 25-22.
The Letran Squires likewise made quick work of the San Sebastian Staglets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-20, while the Arellano University Braves overpowered a shorthanded Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers’ side, 25-13, 25-20, 25-19.
Perpetual’s balanced attack proved decisive, with five players scoring in double figures.
Team captain Gabriel Macatuno led the way with 18 points built on 15 attacks and three blocks.
Darly Torio added 15 points highlighted by four aces, while Limuel Valderama dominated at the net with 14 points, including seven blocks.
John Lat chipped in 13 points and Cholo Bustamante contributed 11.
In the semifinals, Letran will face Arellano U in another best-of-three series, setting the stage for a double-header that will also feature Game 1 of the girls’ finals between the Perpetual Junior Lady Altas and defending champion Arellano Lady Braves.
