Defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas notched their 10th victory in 12 outings after defeating the San Sebastian Staglets in the NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Fiesta on Monday at the Arellano Gymnasium along Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
Team captain Gabriel Macatuno spearheaded the charge with a game-high 18 points as the Sandy Rieta-coached Altalettes pulled off a four-set victory, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19, 25-17.
Cholo Bustamante and Limuel Villarama also delivered strong performances, finishing with 16 and 12 points, respectively, to help Perpetual secure the solo second spot and stay on track for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round.
Setter Donald Sison contributed 11 excellent sets and seven receptions, while JM Regorosa added three digs for the Junior Altas.
In other results, the EAC Brigadiers prevailed over the San Beda Red Cubs in four sets, 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-22. The JRU Light Bombers also secured a straight-sets win against the La Salle Green Hills squad, 25-18, 25-21, 25-21.
Meanwhile, the San Beda Baby Red Cubs defeated the JRU Junior Lady Light Bombers, 25-22, 25-23.
In the standings, Mapua Red Robins and the Perpetual Junior Altas have already secured the top two spots in Group A with identical 10-2 win-loss records. In Group B, the Letran Squires and Arellano Braves both hold 9-2 slates, earning twice-to-beat advantages heading into the quarterfinals.
Play-in matches are set between the San Beda Red Cubs and San Sebastian Staglets, as well as between La Salle Green Hills and the Lyceum Junior Pirates for the remaining quarterfinal berths.
