Defending champion Perpetual Help took Game 1 of its best-of-three championship showdown versus challenger Emilio Aguinaldo College in four sets, 24-26, 25-20, 27-25, 25-19, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Las Pin̈as City-based tossers needed 2 hours and 11 minutes to finish off the Generals in front of 2,000 Perpetualite students, faculty and officials, who watched the game.
“Mahalaga po itong Game 1 para sa amin to get the advantage sa series. Luckily nakuha namin,” said reigning Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez after the game.
Ramirez topscored with 23 points and 23 receptions, while Jeff Marapoc contributed 19 pts, 19 receptions and 7 digs.
Setter JC Enarciso registered 27 sets.
“Mahirap, pinaghirapan ng mga bata makuha ang Game 1. I respect the EAC Generals, they gave a good fight, pero paghahandaan pa lalo namin ang Game 2, para hindi maputol ang aming winning streak. Salamat sa Perpetual Community and to the Tamayo Family for the support,” said coach Sammy Acaylar.
Ervin Osabel of EAC Generals led the Ermita-based school with 21 points and 6 digs, while Ruther Abor contributed 20 points.
The Perpetual Altas are now one step closer to their 4th straight title and 14th overall crown since joining the oldest league in the country in 1984.
Game 2 of the finals is scheduled on Sunday (May 26) after the individual awards of the Juniors and Seniors’ Divisions set at 10 a.m. at same venue.