MANILA — University of Perpetual Help survived a fierce challenge from Mapua University to secure the No. 1 spot in Group A of the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament, pulling away in the deciding set for a 25-20, 21-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-6 victory on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Lady Altas leaned on the scoring brilliance of Cy Almeniana and the steady support of Jem Menor to dominate the fifth set and clinch the crucial win, which lifted Perpetual to an 11-2 record and assured the team of the top seed in its bracket.
Perpetual quickly seized control of the deciding frame, racing to a 6-0 lead highlighted by two early attacks from Almeniana. Menor then delivered a pair of kills that pushed the Lady Altas’ advantage to 10-3 and put Mapua on the defensive.
Geraldine Palacio later added a crucial block against Franchesca Esteban to extend the lead to 13-5 before Almeniana sealed the victory with back-to-back points.
Almeniana delivered a dominant performance with 28 points, including five in the final set, while Menor added 14 markers and Camille Bustamante chipped in 13 points to power the Lady Altas’ offense.
Mapua fought back twice to force a deciding set, taking the second and fourth frames behind the efforts of rookie Alexander Leabres and veteran opposite hitter Raissa Ricablanca, who both finished with 18 points. Freighanne Garcia also contributed 14 markers for the Lady Cardinals, who slipped to a 5-7 record after the loss.
Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran continued its impressive run in Group B after sweeping San Beda University, 25-18, 25-18, 25-21.
Judiel Nitura scored 18 points and earned Player of the Game honors as the Lady Knights improved to a perfect 13-0 record. The Lady Red Spikers dropped to 9-4 following the straight-sets defeat./PN
