Jr Altas edge Braves, clinch solo volley lead

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Perpetual Help wore down Arellano University, 29-27, 25-17, 23-25, 17-25, 15-8, to wrest the solo lead in the juniors division of the 91st NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Ivan Encila fired a match-best 21 hits, 20 of which coming off attacks, while Darwin Salopaso, Ryuji Condrad Etorma and team captain Jody Margaux Severo added 15, 14 and 11 points, respectively, to power the Junior Altas past their AU rivals for the solo lead at 2-0.

The Las Piñas-based school, however, committed 45 errors.

“There are still things that we needed to work on. It’s not easy, but we’re getting there,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta.

Jesus Valdez and skipper Aldimal Waham scored 20 hits apiece but lost steam in the decider as the Braves fell to joint second with San Sebastian College at 2-1.

In men’s action, Perpetual Help trounced Arellano U, 25-21, 26-24, 25-22, for its third straight win.

Rey Taneo Jr., skipper Bonjomar Castel and Ranidean Phillipe Abcede combined for 37 hits to lead the way for the Altas, who are out to regain the crown they lost to the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals.