Perpetual tossers trim Knights, score 7th win in row

MANILA, Philippines - University of Perpetual Help System Dalta turned back Letran, 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22, to stretch its winning run to seven yesterday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Malate, Mania.

Emilio Aguinaldo College, meanwhile, crushed Mapua, 25-7, 25-11, 25-11, to stay in the hunt for a second consecutive semifinals stint with a second-running 5-1 mark.

The Lady Altas started shakily, dropping the first set, 24-26, but woke up in time to repulse the Intramuros belles in the next three sets.

The Lady Knights dropped to an even 3-3 card, alongside the Arellano Lady Chiefs, half a game behind the defending champion San Sebastian Lady Stags and the San Beda Lionesses, who carry identical 4-2 slates.

Lady Altas coach Mike Rafael said the two-week break will be a good time for the team to rest and prepare for their upcoming matches at the start of the year.

“We want to stay in shape during the break. Magte-training pa rin kami except on Christmas Day and Dec. 26 and New Year,” said Rafael.

 The Altas, meanwhile, downed the Knights. 25-16, 24-13, 25-23, to join the Chiefs in the men’s semifinals. 

 The Altas and the Chiefs are tied on similar 6-0 marks to pace the field.

 In the lone juniors match, the Junior Altas slipped past the Squires for their fifth win in six games.