By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
University of Perpetual Help bucked a third-set stumble as it turned back a resilient San Beda side, 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, to capture its third straight NCAA men’s volleyball title at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City Sunday, April 16.
Season Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez stepped up in the crunch, firing from almost all angles angles including a down-the-line spike that sealed the victory for the Altas in the rubber match of their best-of-three finals showdown.
The victory not only completed Perpetual’s three-peat championship bid, but it also earned them the school’s 13th title to tie with Letran with the most number of men’s championship plums in the history of the league.
Ramirez exploded for 26 points built on 23 kills, two blocks and one ace, while KC Andrade and Michael Medalla chipped in 12 points each.
Jefferson Marapoc added 11 points while John Christian Enarciso registered 21 excellent sets on top of five points.
Still reeling from a 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 15-11 Game 2 loss last Friday, the Altas quickly got down to work by banking on their sharp attacks and solid blocks.
But the Red Spikers woke up from a slumber and dictated the pace in the third to breathe life in their bid for a historic first title.
Unfazed, Perpetual rediscovered its touch in the fourth frame by cruising to an 11-4 lead after taking advantage of San Beda’s erratic plays.
The Red Spikers refused to go down without a fight by keeping the game close anchored on Justine Santos and Lorenz Calayag to close in on 21-20, before Ramirez took matters into his own hands with back-to-back spikes to give the Altas the commanding 23-20 lead.
San Beda briefly retaliated for 23-21, but a service error from Calayag proved costly for the Red Spikers.
A reception error from Perpetual almost gave San Beda some hope for 24-22, but Ramirez soared high for the title-clinching win.
Ralph Cabalsa and Calayag finished with 12 points apiece in a losing effort for San Beda.
