Generals end Altas record 53-win run in NC volley

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help’s 53-game streak came to an end as it fell to Emilio Aguinaldo College in a gripping 25-20, 15-25, 25-20, 18-25, 13-15 decision yesterday in the 90th NCAA men’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Howard Mojica came through with an MVP-like performance as he fired a match-best 23 hits, including key kills in the deciding set to end the once mighty run by the Altas that spanned five seasons.

It also propelled the Generals to their seventh straight victory and into the solo lead and on course to netting their first title since joining the league five years ago.

Sid Raymond Gercilla, Israel Encina, Kerth Melliza and Hariel Doguna ably backed up Mojica with 16, 14, 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Allan Jay Sala-An stepped up when top hitters Bonjomar Castel, Neil Barry Ytorzaita and Rey Taneo struggled as he paced the Altas with 17 hits.

But Perpetual Help just didn’t have an answer to the power-hitting Mojica, who blasted 21 kills.

The Altas fell to second with a 5-1 (win-loss) slate.          

St. Benilde routed San Beda, 25-11, 25-17, 25-17, to improve to 4-2 in the other match.