Perpetual targets 5th straight NCAA title

Reigning champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta guns for its fifth consecutive title when Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) unwraps on Thursday at the San Sebastian College gymnasium in Manila.

Newly-appointed head coach Macky Cariño will apply the tricks he learned from late mentor Sammy Acaylar as he continues the Altas’ winning tradition in honor of the school’s golden founding anniversary celebration.

Star spiker Louie Ramirez will no longer be around after powering Perpetual to four straight titles but Cariño will still parade a solid unit featuring team captain KC Andrade, Jefferson Marapoc, Kirth Patrick Rosos, setter Klint Mateo, Kobe Tabuga, John Castil, Dexter Arrozado, John Lituania, James Pascua and Henzron Manaloto

Rookies Kyle Gelogo, Renz Engay, Steff Rosete, and Karl Jestre as well as liberos Annrey Galila and Magrey Abrencillo are also expected to make their presence felt, making the Altas a solid force to be reckoned with when they formally open their season against San Beda University on Saturday.

“We will try our best to continue the winning tradition of Coach Sammy and we also dedicate each of our games to him,” Cariño said in an interview.

One of the country’s most decorated mentors with 14 NCAA titles, Acaylar passed away on 30 January due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind his trusted deputy in Cariño to run the Perpetual men’s volleyball program.