UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help dug deep in its arsenal to stop an upset-hungry Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-17, and take solo third spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95 women’s volleyball tournament on Monday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Lady Altas met head-on a Lady Generals side riding the momentum of winning their first match after 16 straight losses from last season and bowed in the first set, giving EAC another much-needed morale booster to surpass their expectations this year.
But the EAC fortress gave way to a consistent Perpetual Help play on both ends and the Lady Altas went on to take the win—although the hard way.
“We had a slow start,” Perpetual Help Coach Michael Cariño said. “They were so relaxed. We came from a bad performance against San Beda. I challenged them to get back to the winning ways.”
“But this is good result despite our bad performance. We were tensed and erratic. The team at least regained their morale, which they lost against San Beda,” he added.
Jhona Rosal scored 17 points and Dana Persa added 11 points, 12 excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while Bianca Tripoli chipped in 11 points on three blocks and three aces for Perpetual Help which improved to 6-2 won-lost record.
Catherine Almazan had 16 points along with 14 excellent digs and six excellent receptions and Krizzia Reyes finished also with 16 points and for EAC.
Kristine Cancio had nine excellent sets and 10 excellent digs for EAC which remained in the cellar fell with a 1-7 card.
Jose Rizal University, meanwhile, capped its season campaign on a high note with a victory over Letran College, 25-17, 18-25, 25-21, 25-13.
Dolly Verzosa topscored with 16 points and 19 excellent digs, Sydney Niegos added 11 points and four aces, Karyla Jasareno and Riza Rose chipped in 11 points each nd Renessa Melgar had 11 excellent sets for JRU, which exited witgh a 4-5 record.
Letran fell to 3-4—the loss securing a semifinals berth for San Sebastian— to tie Lyceum of the Philippines at sixth spot.
In the men’s tournament, defending champions Perpetual Help handed EAC its first loss of the season, 25-23, 29-27, 28-26.
Louie Ramirez had 17 points, while Kennry Malinis and Ronniel Rosales both added 13 each for the Altas, who stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches. Ryniel Berlanga
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza