Sweet sweep Perpetual extends NC volley reign

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help continued to dominate NCAA volleyball through hard work and discipline with the Las Piñas-based school looking to extend their reign in both the men’s and women’s sides in the next season.

The men’s team swept Emilio Aguinaldo College with a tough 25-22, 26-24, 18-25, 23-25, 15-13, victory to complete a rare four-peat feat recently. The win also stretched the team’s win run to 47 dating back to 2011, where the Altas first reigned supreme.

The Lady Altas later matched their men’s counterparts’ romp although they needed to buck the gutsy Arellano U Lady Chiefs to hack out a 17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-27, 15-6 victory for a third straight championship.

Sammy Acaylar, who coached both teams, said their hard work paid off.

“It is important to have faith in each other and the team, everybody really worked hard for this,” said Acaylar, who has won nine men’s volley titles for Perpetual.

Anthony Tamayo, Perpetual’s Policy Board member, for his part, also cited the team’s discipline as key to their continued success.

“Our players showed a lot of discipline and the school is proud of these accomplishments,” said Tamayo.

Power-hitting Honey Royse Tubino capped her season with another award as she copped the Finals MVP, adding to her season MVP trophy she received a few days back.

It was a fitting farewell for Tubino and Norie Jane Diaz, who likewise came out with a bang by firing 18 hits.

“I’m blessed to win MVP and Final MVP awards and another championship,” said Tubino.

While Tubino emerged the best player in the women’s division, Jay Dela Cruz came out the most outstanding in the men’s side as he came through with 24 hits in steering Perpetual past EAC.

Like Tubino, dela Cruz swept the finals and season MVP.

Acaylar said he was most surprised by Dela Cruz’s superb, season-long performance.

“I wasn’t expecting him (Dela Cruz) to shine. But I knew he will stand out as a team captain not just by his skills but also by his heart,” he said.

Jeff Tamayo, the new Management Committee representative of Perpetual, said they are now looking forward to defending their titles next season.

“The road to another championship for Perpetual Help starts now,” said Tamayo.