By MARK REY MONTEJO
Even on holidays, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta continues to prepare for the nearing NCAA Season 101 volleyball wars with its men’s and women’s teams eager to reclaim the glory in the collegiate league.
After falling short of entering the Final Four in the centennial season, the Las Piñas-based school is bent on restoring its powerhouse status in both divisions it once dominated for 17 seasons.
The Altas, who closed out their Season 101 run at sixth with a 10-8 card, seek redemption this coming year and possibly win their 15th overall crown.
“My preparation is to condition my players as a complete package that includes strength, agility, technique, focus and mind setting, and also to focus on getting to the Final Four first,” said head coach Macky Cariño.
Cariño, a long-time deputy of late great mentor Sammy Acaylar, disclosed that the team is staying in Laiya, Batangas for a mini camp.
Perpetual, the winningest team in men’s side, has moved on from its first semifinal absence in two decades with setter John Lituana, spikers Jeff Marapoc, Kobe Tabuga, Kirth Rosos and KC Andrade all bidding farewells.
There are 12 rookies in the roster, a move, which according to Carin̈o, was an investment for the future.
Meanwhile, coach Sandy Rieta and the Lady Altas, bannered by skipper Charise Enrico and top spiker Shaila Omipon, are gunning for a breakthrough championship in the distaff side.
The Lady Altas, managed by Anton Tamayo, narrowly missed the semis after finishing the elinatiions with a 9-9 slate good for No. 5.
“I give them very short vacation para makasama mga parents nila sa province, then balik sa training, mahirap kapag matagal ang training.. mawawala sa focus at condition nila,” said coach Sandy Rieta.
The Lady Altas will also lean on rookies Lexie Villanueva (Pampanga), Desiree Gecobe (Nueva Vizcaya), Angie Rosales (Cagayan de Oro) and CM Atlas (Bulacan), who are tipped to fill the gap left by middle blockers Winnie Bedaña and Marian Andal.
