THE Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals got big plays from Kerth Melliza midway in the fourth set to repulse the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 25-22,14-25, 25-14, 25-16, on Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
Melliza led a decisive 6-0 attack in the final set, helping the Generals take Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series in the men’s division of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament.
Melliza’s placement shot from the middle to Ranidean Abcede and John Patrick Ramos on separate occasions enabled the Generals to move away after the Altas got close, 12-15.
When their attack was finished, the Generals were never in trouble with their 21-12 advantage.
“The guys got overconfident and eager to get it over and done with. Their floor defense and blocking finally got better when they settled down,” said Generals’ coach Rodrigo Palmero.
Rey Taneo Jr. had 10 points for the Altas, who led, 16-5, in the second set.
Israel Encina, who had eight points, scored on an ace in the third set, and this put the Generals
In the junior division, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas swamped EAC-ICA, 25-13, 25-18, 25-16, to move to within a win of clinching their second straight title.
Team captain Jody Margaux Severo led with a match-best 11 hits, six of which came on kills and four on blocks.
The Junior Altas are ahead at 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series and are determined to get the crown on Wednesday.
“The boys were determined to take this one, they were really focused on winning,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta.
The Junior Altas took away the Brigadiers’ attacking game with a solid net defense and superb court coverage.
So unnerving was Perpetual Help’s defense that only four EAC players scored, including eight apiece by skipper Cee-Hay Hicap and Ralph Joshua Pitogo.