The Perpetual Help Lady Altas asserted their dominance as they cruised to their second straight victory, sweeping the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila.
Riding the momentum of a gritty five-set win over defending champions St. Benilde Lady Blazers, the Lady Altas followed it up with a convincing straight-sets triumph over Jose Rizal University, 25–19, 25–21, 25–21.
Cyrille Almeniana delivered another strong performance, finishing as the team’s second-best scorer with a game-high 18 points built on 16 attacks and two service aces.
Jemalyn Menor provided solid support with 14 points—13 coming from attacks—along with seven excellent receptions and five digs.
Shaila Omipon added 11 points, while Charisse Enrico and Loraine Lagmay chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.
Setter Fianne Ariola orchestrated the offense efficiently, tallying 19 excellent sets from 99 attempts, while scoring three points. Libero Joanna Denise Lozano anchored the floor defense with 15 digs and eight excellent receptions.
“What I told them was to focus on defense first—defense, defense—because once you defend well, the offense becomes easier,” said head coach Sandy Rieta. “I reminded them to treat every game like it’s their last and to take care of what we do inside the court.”
Rieta also emphasized maintaining the team’s identity throughout the match.
“’Wag tayo sumabay sa tugtog nila. May sarili tayong tugtog, at ‘yun ang sasayawin natin,” he added.
Czarina Ramos led the Lady Bombers with 12 points and five digs, while Nicole Deala contributed 11 points in the one-hour and 32-minute contest.
In men’s volleyball action, the JRU Heavy Bombers edged the Altas Spikers in a five-set battle, 25–17, 26–28, 25–22, 17–25, 15–9.
