Altas rally to beat Red Spikers, gain finals

MANILA, Philippines -  Reigning titlist Perpetual Help came back from two sets down to frustrate San Beda, 18-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-17, 15-11, and book the first finals berth in the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

The power-hitting Rey Taneo Jr. took charge for the Altas from the third set on, firing a match-best 29 hits as the Las Piñas-based squad completed their improbable comeback to keep its title retention bid alive.

“We didn’t give up, that’s the most important thing,” said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar.

Manuel Doliente chipped in 12 points while Esmail Kasim added 10 markers for Perpetual, which thus booked its sixth finals appearance in the last seven seasons, winning the crown five times.

The Altas missed the finals in 2015 with Emilio Aguinaldo College, then led by MVP Howard Mojica, beating St. Benilde to claim the crown.

The top seeded Blazers and the No. 4 San Beda Red Spikers were disputing the other final berth at press time.

Earlier, Perpetual Help also fought back from a set down to repulse EAC, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-19, in the second stepladder semifinals of the NCAA juniors volleyball tournament.

Ivan Encila unloaded 16 attack points and finished with 18 hits while Marvien Castillo, Paul Solamin and Ryuji Condrad Etorma chipped in 16, 13 and 10 markers, respectively, as the Junior Altas forced a do-or-die game against the Brigadiers on Friday for the right to face Lyceum in the finals.

Stung by a first-set loss, the Las Piñas-based school firmed up its defense and stepped up its attack in the next three to pound out the victory and keep its title-retention bid going.

“They just refused to lose after we dropped the first set. The boys played harder,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta.

EAC needed just a win to arrange a title showdown with Lyceum of the Phl U after seizing the No. 2 seed and twice-to-beat edge.

The Junior Pirates swept their way to the finals to gain a huge thrice-to-beat advantage.