University of Perpetual Help System DALTA inched closer to history after blanking San Beda University, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 98 men’s volleyball best-of-three finals series on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The three-peat seeking ALTAs now hold a 1-0 advantage and will look to seal the deal in Game 2 scheduled for Friday.
MVP frontrunner Louie Ramirez quickly flexed his usual form, helping his side build a 21-14 lead in the second set before a service error from San Beda gave Perpetual the set point at 24-16.
Michael Medalla’s ace capped it off for Perpetual as they took a commanding 2-0 lead in sets.
Ramirez then fueled a 7-1 run, which was capped by a Jefferson Marapoc ace, as Perpetual’s lead suddenly ballooned to six in the third frame, 16-10.
Ralph Cabalsa tried to rally San Beda with his two consecutive attacks that cut their deficit to four, 17-13. Kenrod Umali led San Beda’s late rally as they saved five match points, 24-22, before Marapoc delivered the game-winning point.
Ramirez led the way with a game-high 17 points and 13 excellent receptions while Marapoc chipped in 13 markers and seven digs. Joshua Zareno also contributed 10 points as JC Enarciso made sure to orchestrate their offense well with 16 excellent sets alongside six points built on two attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
Cabalsa paced San Beda with 16 markers anchored on 15 attacks and one block.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
