Jr. Altas eye volley 3-peat

MANILA, Philippines - Just a few days after winning its second straight NCAA juniors title, Perpetual Help is looking forward to a third.

“That will be our next goal, to win a third straight championship,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta, who steered the Junior Atlas to their second straight crown after sweeping the Emilio Aguinaldo Brigadiers Friday.

Team captain Jody Margaux Severo and Darwin John Salaposo starred in the Las Piñas-based school’s title-clinching 25-21, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-11 victory over EAC before a sizeable crowd at The Arena in San Juan.

“The boys showed heart. We were down but they never panicked and adjusted well,” said Rieta.

It was Perpetual Help’s eight title overall, seven behind league-best 15 crowns by the San Sebastian Junior Stags.

“We’re proud of what the team has accomplished,” said Perpetual Help’s Policy Board member Anthony Tamayo.

Perpetual Help appeared headed to sweeping the elimination round but was foiled by EAC, which dealt the former its first loss of the season.

It turned out the last as the Junior Altas beat the Brigadiers in their playoff for the No. 1 spot, the San Beda Red Cubs in five sets in the Final Four before sweeping EAC again in two games in the finals.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a sweep or not. We just want to win the championship,” said Rieta.