Newly crowned Altas eye title repeat

MANILA, Philippines – A day after wresting the men's volleyball title from last year's winner Emilio Aguinaldo, Perpetual Help is looking forward to winning another one next season.

Coach Sammy Acaylar said he is optimistic of their chances next season since they will bring in an almost intact line up as only three – team captain Bonjomar Castel, Neil Barry Ytorzaita and libero Andy Lloyd Baroy – are graduating this year.

"I have high hopes next season because we're getting blue-chip rookies who will fill in the spots that will be vacated," said Acaylar, whose Altas came back from a six-hit deficit in the fifth and final set to pull the rug from under the Generals, 25-22, 23-25, 29-27, 22-25, 17-15, Tuesday night.

"And these rookies I'm mentioning are from our second team and they're all six-footers," he added.

The Altas overcame reigning back-to-back MVP Howard Mojica with rock-solid net defense and superb court coverage to capture their fifth championship in the last six years and a league second-best 11 men's crowns.

For Acaylar, it added to his legend as he now has helped Perpetual win its 21st NCAA crowns including eight in the juniors and two in the women's side.

"I dedicate this to the school, which has given me opportunity and helped me become what I've become," he said.

And stopping Mojica proved the biggest key.

The Altas held the power-spiking Mojica to 19 hits, his worst effort of the series.

"It was really our blocking and defense. We really prepared against Mojica and we know all his moves. Good thing we stopped him," said Acaylar.

Acaylar also mentioned physical conditioning as key.

"Our hard work paid off because we trained during Christmas vacation and we focused mostly on physical conditioning," said Acaylar. "It also helped that we peaked in Game Two while EAC peaked too early."