Jr. Altas back to defend NCR Palaro volley title

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Perpetual Help Junior Altas are back to represent the National Capital Region as defending champion in the secondary boys volleyball in the 60th Palarong Pambansa set April 23-29 in San Jose Buenavista, Antique.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) three-peat champion gained the right to represent NCR after defeating perennial rival National University (NU) Bullpups -Manila, 16-25, 25-10, 25-19, 24-26, 15-7 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Succor College in Marikina during the Palarong NCR hosted by Marikina last February.

Last year, the Junior Altas struck gold in high school volleyball boys for NCR  in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Legaspi, beating Western Visayas in the final, 25-27, 25-14, 25-21, 25-19.

UPH Las Piñas and coaches Sandy Rieta and Jason Sapin confirmed the team’s participation.

“We are back in practice to be in shape for our title defense, ” said Rieta.

The team is led by team captain EJ Casana,  with Ivan Encila and Noel Kampton.

Completing the line up are Jody Severo, Kirth Rosos, Ryuji Etorma, Vince Lorenzo, Carlo Isidro, Audie Hidalgo, Vergel Golloso and Clark Fernandez and Wesley Cajolo from the FEU Junior Tamaraws.