Altas foil Blazers, share volley lead

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help turned back last year’s tormentor St. Benilde, 25-21, 25-27, 25-20, 25-20, yesterday to gain a share of the lead with defending champion Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 91st NCAA men’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Bonjomar Castel rammed in 13 kills and finished with 20 hits while Manuel Doliente and Rey Taneo Jr. added 17 and 10 points, respectively, as the Altas matched the Generals’ 4-0 card in the early going of the tournament.

In women’s play, Perpetual Help rallied to nip St. Benilde, 14-25, 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 16-14, and improve to 2-2.

Cindy Imbo unloaded 19 hits as the Lady Altas snatched the win and snapped the Lady Blazers’ three-game run.

Earlier, reigning champion Perpetual Help demolished St. Benilde, 25-8, 25-8, 25-7, to stretch its win run to three in juniors’ division.

Ryuji Conrad Etorma fired 19 hits, including nine attack points, two blocks and a season-high eight aces to power the Junior Altas to the lopsided win over the Junior Blazers, who fell to 0-3.

“He played big for us,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieto of Etorma.