University of Perpetual Help displayed great resolve and survived Letran, 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-17, 15-9 in the pivotal Game 3 to reclaim the boys volleyball crown in NCAA Season 100 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday, June 8.
At A Glance
- University of Perpetual Help displayed great resolve and survived Letran, 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-17, 15-9 in the pivotal Game 3 to reclaim the boys volleyball crown in NCAA Season 100 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday, June 8.
(Dennis Abrina)
Though reeling from a 20-25, 25-19, 20-25, 21-25 Game 2 loss, the Junior Altas came out more determined and bounced back from a 2-1 set deficit en route to their 13th overall title.
The victory, likewise, denied the Squires of their sixth crown in the said division.
It was a redemption of sorts for Perpetual after failing to secure its seventh consecutive title last season following a semifinal loss to eventual champion Malayan High School of Science.
This season showed how the Junior Altas wanted to erase last season’s stigma badly, finishing the eliminations with a pristine 9-0 win-loss record before toppling the Arellano Braves in the semis.
Perpetual opened the finals series with a hard-fought 25-21, 29-27, 28-26 victory in Game 1 before stumbling in Game 2.
But it didn’t dampen their spirits as the Junior Altas worked their way back on top.
Middle blocker John Lat shone for Perpetual with a game-high 22 points off 15 attacks, six blocks and one ace, while Zyro Omos and Nathan Ciriaco chipped in 19 and 16 points, respectively.
Gab Macatuno and Resty Santo also provided ample support with 16 and 12 points, even as Charles Concino registered 18 digs and 19 excellent sets.
“Resulta to ng hard work ng mga bata,” said Perpetual head coach Sandy Rieta.
The title win overshadowed the efforts of King Nimo, who topscored for 22 points in a losing effort for the Squires. Vergel Balajadia and Jasper Afgao also had 18 and 16 points, respectively, but it all went down the drain.