University of Perpetual Help System Dalta asserted its dominance as it booked a thrilling 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22, 18-16 victory over Arellano University to secure the Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association girls’ volleyball title yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Jemalyn Menor, Sherrie Acosta and Jaja San Juan were at their best while middle blocker Ashlee Buenaventura, setter Jasmine Monte and libero Janine Espiritu chipped in crucial numbers to help the Junior Altas recover from a sluggish start en route to winning Game 2 of their best-of-three title series.

Perpetual coach Jason Sapin said his wards simply refused to give up despite falling prey to the tough Lady Braves defense in the first set before displaying grace under pressure in the crucial stretch of the decider.

“I saw in them the determination to win and become champions as they didn’t let go until the 5th set,” said Sapin, whose wards survived the 34-point explosion of Catherine Chu to pull off a 25-22, 17-25, 26-24, 21-25, 15-13 win in Game 1 last Sunday.

“Then, I told them, ‘let’s not allow the series go to Game 3, we have to finish it now.’”

The awarding ceremonies for boys’ and girls’ divisions are set on Sunday after Game 1 of the best-of-three finals between Perpetual and Emilio Aguinaldo College.