By Kristel Satumbaga
University of Perpetual Help completed a double romp yesterday as its men’s and juniors team reigned supreme in the NCAA volleyball tournament before a huge and enthusiastic crowd at The Arena in San Juan City.
First to celebrate were the Juniors Altas who extended their reign to four years in grand fashion, retaining their title via a two-game sweep with a 25-17, 25-17, 25-17 over the Letran Squires.
Ivan Encila and Noel Kampton combined for 25 hits as they finished with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Inspired by the feat of their juniors squad, the Altas recovered from an opening set defeat to beat the Arellano Chiefs, 23-25, 27-25, 25-19, 25-23, for their sixth men’s crown in eight years.
Highlighting their men’s title was their come-from-behind win in the fourth set, where they rallied from an 18-11 deficit behind the gutsy efforts of John Patrick Ramos and Rookie-Most Valuable Player winner Joebert Almodiel.
As expected, Almodiel led the Altas with 19 points including 16 kills, but it was Rey Taneo Jr. who carried Perpetual when needed most.
Apart from contributing 11 points, Taneo produced 22 excellent sets to continue where veteran setter Warren Catipay left off later in the opening frame after the latter sprained his right ankle.
Taneo’s efforts earned him the Finals MVP award.