By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Perpetual Help bucked a slow start and turned back Lyceum-General Trias, 18-25, 26-24, 25-14, for its fifth consecutive win that kept its record pristine in the NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Fiesta at the Arellano Gym in Pasay City, Monday, March 2.
Reeling from an opening set hiccup, the Junior Lady Altas regrouped in the second set where they foiled the Junior Lady Pirates’ counter then broke the game wide open in the third to improve their record to 5-0.
They are now tied with Arellano for the lead, assuring themselves a twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four and will set for a long break before their much-awaited joust this March 16 with the victor clinching the No. 1 spot.
Lyceum dropped to 3-2.
Imus City native Rookie Elizha Sildo starred for the Sandy Rieta-mentored crew with 11 points off 10 attacks and one ace, while Ramiel Pangillian contrived also 11 points on five kills and six blocks.
Sherrie Rose Acosta also shone with nine points – all came from attacks – on top of four excellent receptions, while setter Jaja Monte had 10 excellent sets and three digs. Libero Janine Espiritu posted five receptions and three digs.
Aleah Alipan paced Lyceum with 19 pts in a losing cause.
Meanwhile in the boys division, skipper Gab Macatuno showed the way and steered Perpetual past EAC-ICA, 25-19, 25-20, 25-21.
Macatuno topscored with 12 points, while towers Limuel Valderama and Cholo Bustamante chipped 10 and nine points, respectively, to hike the Juniors Altas’ record to No. 2 with a 9-2 card. The Brigadiers, on the other hand, fell to 4-7 at fifth.
