Altas survive Pirates, keep NC volley lead

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help rallied to repulse Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-17, 23-25, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9, yesterday and remain on top in the men’s division of the 91st NCAA volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Rey Taneo Jr. unloaded 17 hits while Ranidean Philippe Abcede and Allan Jay Salaan chipped in 14 points apiece as the Altas stretched their win run to six to stay ahead of the defending champion Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, who tote a 6-1 slate.

Taneo, Abcede and Salaan stepped up in the last two sets as the Las Piñas-based school saved what could’ve been a frustrating setback to a team which dealt EAC a shock 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 18-25, 16-14 defeat last week.

“The boys never gave up despite falling behind,” said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar.

Lyceum fell to 3-4.

In juniors’ action, defending champion Perpetual Help likewise stayed unbeaten as it trounced Lyceum, 25-10, 25-19, 25-17, to stay in the lead with a 4-0 card.

In women’s play, Perpetual Help completed a Lyceum sweep with an 18-25, 25-20, 25-15, 14-25, 15-11 victory to remain in the Final Four hunt with a 4-2 mark.