The Perpetual Altas Spikers survived the determined challenge of the Mapua Cardinals for a thrilling 5-set win at the end of the elims of the NCAA Season 98 men’s volleyball tournament Sunday, March 19, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The Sinfronio Acaylar-mentored Altas dropped the first two sets before rallying furiously to complete a 23-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 15-4 thriller and a 9-game sweep of the elims.
More importantly, they secured the first finals berth with the sweep and a chance to win a Grand Slam.
Louie Ramirez starred for the Altas as he erupted for a career-high 31 points while
Joshua Zareno and rookie Jefferson Marapoc had 20 and 10 points, respectively.
The win extended Perpetual’s amazing winning run to 31 since Season 94.
It was a double celebration for Perpetual supporters as its women’s team clinched the No. 2 seeding with a 25-16, 25-19, 25-17 win over Mapua.
Mary Rhose Dapol and Shai Omipon produced 13 points each to highlight the team’s well-balanced attack that gave them an 8-1 record.
They, however, will have to wait if La Salle-College of Saint Benilde will sweep the elims to determine whether there will be a stepladder semis. A sweep by the Lady Blazers will result to a stepladder.
