By Waylon Galvez
Three-peat seeking University of Perpetual Help System DALTA completed a nine-game sweep of the men’s elimination round with a 25-14, 25-15, 25-18 win against Letran in the NCAA volleyball tournament last Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Louie Ramirez led the Altas with 10 points, while Ronniel Rosales, Ridzuan Muhali and Kennry Malinis combined for 23 points for Perpetual Help which is out to extend its reign in the oldest collegiate league to three years.
EJ Casaña also shone as he produced 15 excellent sets for the team of coach Sammy Acaylar.
“It’s very hard kasi we are the defending champions. I always tell my players they have to respect all the teams sa NCAA,” Acaylar.
“Now we have to wait, not just on our finals opponent but the resumption of the games, which is tough because we have to keep our form. We’ll keep on practicing, maybe we could have a few tuneup games to keep us in shape,” added Acaylar.
Perpetual Help now awaits the survivor of the stepladder playoffs, which will take place once the league lifts the indefinite suspension of the games due to the 2019 novel coronavirus or Covid-19.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (7-2) and Arellano University (6-2) are already in the semifinals, while College of St. Benilde (5-2), San Beda (4-4) and Mapua (4-4) are fighting for the last playoff berth.
The Altas have actually won 22 straight matches, dating back from two years ago.
The events affected by the postponement of games are volleyball, beach volleyball, soft tennis, football, athletics and the cheer dance competition.
