TOUGHENED by their stint in the Spikers’Turf, the University of Perpetual Help Altas are looking to further enhance their legacy as the most successful volleyball school of the decade.
The Altas are not only bidding to extend their reign to three years but are also determined to tie the Letran Knights for the most number of titles in the NCAA men’s volleyball.
Owned by the family of Tony Tamayo, Perpetual is proud owner of 12 titles, including seven this decade starting in 2010.
Mentored by Sammy Acaylar, the Altas also took the titles in1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990.
Though they will be without two-time MVP winner Joebert Almodiel, Acaylar is confident they can sustain their dominance.
The Altas start their three-peat bid on Friday in the league’s 95th season against the College of St. Benilde Blazers at The Arena in San Juan City.
Like any champion coach, Acaylar has been supervising the team’s daily training, detailing the role of each player so they will remain formidable and cohesive even without the hard-hitting Almodiel.
Acaylar is convinced their fourth-place finish in the Spikers’ Turf will serve them in good stead as they chase the record of the Knights.
They highlighted their performance by downing perennial title contender PLDT in the elims before squeaking past Philippine Navy in the quarterfinals.
Out to fill void left by Almodiel are veteran Awie Abdulla, Hero Austria and Kennry Malinis.
Austria is coming off a triumphant stint with the five-time champion Junior Altas while Malinis is one of topnotch players from Cebu.
Other members of the team are Ronniel Rosales, libero Jeric Atentar, EJ Casaña JC Enarciso, Ridzuan Muhali, Louie Ramirez, John Rick Baggayan, Aljoe Sereño Joshua Zareno, KC Andrade and John Philip Pepito.
