The defending champion University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Junior Altas quickly shook off a tough three-set loss to Arellano Braves last Monday, roaring back with a four-set victory over the Letran Squires, 25-20, 24-26, 25-21, 25-19, in the continuation of the NCAA Season 101 Juniors’ Volleyball Fiesta at the Arellano Gym in Pasay City on Thursday.
The win lifted Perpetual to a 7-2 win-loss record as they tightened their grip on a quarterfinal berth.
Daryl Torio and Gabriel Macatuno paced the Junior Altas with 10 points apiece, while Limuel Villarama anchored the net defense with five blocks and finished with nine points alongside Cholo Bustamante.
Setter Symon Suyat orchestrated the offense with five excellent sets out of 49 attempts, and libero JM Regorosa added stability on defense with six digs and five excellent receptions.
Jasper Afgao carried Letran with 20 points in a losing effort.
In other juniors results, Lyceum of the Philippines University GenTri swept Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 25-15, 25-10, while San Beda University Red Cubs outlasted La Salle Green Hills Greenies in three sets, 25-15, 24-26, 25-17.
Arellano University Braves also edged the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers, 25-22, 25-17.
Meanwhile, in the seniors’ division, coach Macky Cariño and his Perpetual Altas squad are determined to bounce back in the second round when they face the defending champion College of St. Benilde Blazers on Friday at 9 a.m. at the San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila.
Perpetual is seeking its eighth straight win to open the second round of Groups A and B after earlier first-round losses to Benilde and JRU.
With a 7-2 slate and four elimination games left, the Altas are virtually assured of a quarterfinal spot but are aiming for a top-two finish in Group 1 to secure the coveted twice-to-beat advantage.
“Our main target now is to bounce back against Benilde and strengthen our position in the next round,” said Cariño during practice at the Home of the Altas gym in Las Piñas City. “We have four remaining games, and we’re aiming to sustain our momentum heading into the quarterfinals.”
In the women’s division, coach Sandy Rieta hopes the Lady Altas can maintain their standing when they take on the defending champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers at 12 noon.
The Lady Altas, led by Cyrille Almeniana, who exploded for 27 points in their season debut, previously dropped a thrilling five-set encounter against Benilde, 25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 17-25, 16-14.
Both the Altas and Lady Altas are coming off morale-boosting victories last Sunday against the San Beda University Red Spikers and Lady Red Spikers. John Castil delivered a game-high 19 points in the men’s match, while Almeniana and Jemalyn Menor fired 18 points each in the women’s contest, earning best player honors in their respective games.
