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UPHSD Spikers Seize Double Domination in NCAA
The Altas and the Lady Altassealed their championship crowns by winning two division titles of the 87th NCAA Volleyball Tournament yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Perpetual Altas dominated the San Beda Red Lions winning in a straight set, 25-14, 25-15, 25-23, thus claiming their 7th league crown.It took key plays from Marcelo Joaquin, Allan Daquer and JR Dela Cruz late in the third and final set to break out of an 18-all deadlock and finally put away the final, desperate challenge put up by the Lions to hand the Altas their second straight title.The Altas holds an immaculate record of 14-0 win, way back from the elimination round until the finals."We really worked hard for this championship because we really want to repeat (winning the division title)," said Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar in Filipino. "I'm thankful that our hardwork and discipline have paid off."So determined was the Altas, which took a harder time in last Friday's Game One, that it dominated the Red Lions from the onset and needed to just hang tough enough in the final frame to complete Perpetual's twin win. "We know what they brought in Game One so we prepared hard and made some major adjustments, that's why we had an easier time this time," said Acaylar.It was fitting ending to what was a magical season for Perpetual, which swept all its 14 games to become the first team in so many years to win the crown via sweep.Joaquin led all scorers with 12 hits including in the third set when the Altas needed it most to emerge with the Most Valuable Player while the duo of Daquer and Dela Cruz unloaded 11 kills each.The superb effort was Joaquin's swan song to what was to an impressive collegiate career as he and Reggie Espeleta and Archie Taruc, who had seven and nine hits, respectively, bid goodbye to a team he led with two championships. "They're playing this last season and we thank them for leading Perpetual to two championships," said Acaylar.Perpetual underscored its domination of volleyball after its women's team bamboozled Letran, 25-15, 26-24, 25-10, to make it a double victory for UPHSD.Like their men's counterparts, the Lady Altas likewise swept its championship series against the Lady Knights to secure its first victory since joining the league in 1984 and to cap an undefeated 14-game season, the first in league history since San Sebastian lorded it over the field decades ago. “Masaya ako dahil first time ito ng school. Dapat noong isang taon pa ito, kaya lang hindi nangyari. But my players showed that they deserve to win this title,” said Lady Altas mentor Mike Rafael.Other honors received by the UPHSD athletes are Best Spiker: Eldrige Capal, Sandra Delos Santos, Reggie Espeleta. Best Blocker: Christopher Vhal Soriano and Jay Dela Cruz. Best Digger: Sandy Montero. Best Setter: Arriane Argarin and Dexter Clamor. Best Receiver: Angelique Dionela and Sandy Montero. Likewise, Coach of the Year 2012 was awarded to sports mentors Mike Rafael and Sammy Acaylar."We laud our players for the great effort, the school is very proud of their accomplishments, congratulations to them," said league president and policy board chair Anthony Tamayo of season host University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
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