University of Perpetual Help System DALTA moved on cusp of a four-peat title after eking out a 24-26, 25-20, 27-25, 25-19 victory against Emilio Aguinaldo College in Game 1 of their best-of-three NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball finals showdown on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The three-time defending champions ALTAs flexed their muscle against the hard-fighting Generals and moved a win away from capturing their fourth straight title.
EAC posed a huge threat in Set 1 with Jan Abor putting a one-man block on reigning MVP Louie Ramirez as they snatched the extended opening frame, 26-24.
The Generals looked like it could go to a commanding 2-0 lead after unleashing a 7-1 run to tie things up at 17-all in Set 2, but veterans Michael Medalla and Ramirez took matters into their own hands with the latter’s combination play ending the frame for the equalizer, 25-20.
Much like in Set 1, another extended game ensued in third frame, but it was Perpetual emerging on top with Jeff Marapoc squeezing it through two blockers for the punctuation, 27-25.
The Las Piñas crew made sure to seal it in four with veteran setter JC Enarciso unloading back-to-back aces for a 21-17 cushion before Ramirez put the clincher.
Ramirez once again led all scorers with 23 points anchored on 21 attacks and two blocks alongside 23 receptions while Marapoc pumped in 20 markers and seven digs.
Kobe Tabuga chipped in 16 points while Enarciso poured in 27 excellent sets.
Ervin Osabel and Abor led EAC with 21 and 20 points apiece while Marvin Romero chimed in with 15 markers.
Perpetual will look to finish the business next Sunday in Game 2.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
