Lucky 13: Perpetual outlasts Letran in NCAA women's volleyball opener

Sandra Delos Santos scattered 23 hits to power University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a hard-earned 25-16, 23-25, 25-27, 25-20, 15-10 win over Letran College in Game One of their best-of-three title series in 87th NCAA women's volleyball tournament Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS).

Delos Santos, the leading Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate, also had three service aces and two blocks to move the Lady Altas closer to clinching their first-ever women’s volleyball crown. Game Two is on Monday at 3:30 p.m. also at the NAS. "We're going to end it on Monday. We don't want to play a Game Three," said Perpetual Help coach Mike Rafael. Honey Royce Tubino and Norie Diaz added 16 points each also for the Lady Altas, who won their 13th straight game dating back to the elimination round. Letran, after losing the opening set, took a 2-1 lead and seemed headed to victory when it enjoyed a 12-5 lead in the fourth set. But the Lady Knights ran into a series of service and receiving errors midway in the fourth frame that allowed the Lady Altas to tie the match at two sets each. A Tubino kill helped keep the momentum on Perpetual’s side as the Lady Altas opened a 5-1 lead and never looked back. Perpetual libero Angelique Dionela had 21 digs and 20 successful receptions in the one-hour and 55-minute match. Manel Carolino led Letran with 17 hits, four service aces and two blocks while Sarah Espelita had 16 points. Other Finals matches Defending men's champion UPHSD Altas made it a twin kill after sweeping San Beda College Red Lions, 28-26, 25-22, 25-22. MVP contender Reggie Espeleta led the Altas with 11 hits to finish with 12 points while Gilbert Ablan led the Lions’ losing cause with 18 markers. Paul Cuzon and Marcial Traje combined for 28 hits to steer Emilio Aguinaldo College past San Sebastian College, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23. The Brigadiers hold a 1-0 lead over the Staglets in their own race-to-two title series. — JVP, GMA News