Perpetual secures juniors volley crown

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta essayed a fitting ending to its championship journey when it beat Letran College, 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-17, 15-9, in Game 3 to win the Season 100 National Collegiate Athletic Association junior boys’ volleyball crown late Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Arna in San Juan.

Middle blocker John Lat imposed his will at the net to help the Junior Altas complete its comeback in this best-of-three title series.

Lat fired 15 kills, six blocks and an ace for a game-high 22 points while Zyro Ornos, Nathan Criaco, Gabriel Macatuno and Resty Santos all churned double figures to underscore the well-balanced assault of Perpetual coach Sandy Rieto and the Junior Altas.

“I just told them to enjoy the game,” said Rieta, whose wards pocketed their 13th junior volleyball crown since joining the country’s oldest collegiate league in 1984.

“That’s why I am happy with the result. We managed to force a Game 3 and win it all the way.”

Ornos had 19 points while Ciriaco and Macatuno posted 16 points apiece and Santos emerged with 12 markers. Setter Charles Concino also shone as he delivered 19 excellent sets on top of 18 digs.

After winning Game 1, 25-21, 29-27, 28-26, the Junior Altas suffered a 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21 loss in Game 2, prompting Rieta to regroup and plot a title-clinching win.

The move paid a handsome reward as the Junior Altas bounced back from a 1-2 set down in the third set before delivering the killer bows in the deciding set to secure the victory and lift the title.

The Junior Altas will be formally feted when the league holds its awarding ceremony on Wednesday at the same venue.