Finals’ Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez struck the final blow for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas as they put away the San Beda University Red Spikers, 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, on Sunday to grab the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s volleyball crown at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Ramirez unleashed a long placement from the right side of the net for the set point that allowed the Altas to complete their three-peat championship bid.
It was over in one hour and 57 minutes for the Altas, whose title win gave them their 13th in the league.
It was quite a challenge of the Altas, who bounced back from a five-set loss last Friday in Game 2, their overall first loss in 33 games.
The Altas drew strength from the big game of Ramirez, who chipped in three straight attacks to bring them to a 22-17 lead in the second set.
Redeeming himself from cramps which kept him out of action from most of Game 2, Ramirez teamed up with KC Andrade with combination plays that gave Perpetual a 2-0 edge, 25-20.
The Red Spikers stepped it up in the third set, needing a 6-3 run to extend the match following a 16-all deadlock.
But the Sammy Acaylar-coached Altas, then built a comfortable 16-11 cushion in the final set.
Perpetual of team owner Dr/BGen. Antonio Tamayo now boasts of the second winningest volleyball program in the league in a tie with Letran.
Before this, Mary Rhose Dapol was named Season MVP and 1st Best outside spiker of women’s volleyball, while Marian Tracy Andal got Best Libero.
Trece Martires City native Shaila Omipon was named Rookie of the Year awardee, while Joshua Zareño was awarded Best opposite spiker of the men’s division during the awarding of individual awards on Friday.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde stayed unbeaten with a 25-19, 25-11, 25-20 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University to rule the women’s division, also last Friday.
The Lady Blazers also stretched their winning streak to 29 games in claiming back-to-back titles.
It was the second time for the Lady Blazers to complete a season sweep as it went undefeated in 11 games to win the crown in Season 97.