Reigning champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta displayed its solid form as it booked an easy 25-14, 25-19, 25-11 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the opening salvo of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 juniors volleyball tournament yesterday at the Arellano University gym in Pasay City.

Daryll Torio made his presence felt while Season 101 Finals Most Valuable Player John Lat contributed significant numbers for the Junior Altas, who are seeking their 14th title in the country’s oldest collegiate league.

A recruit from Palarong Pambansa, Torio scattered 11 attacks and four aces to finish with 15 points and emerge as the game’s most productive scorer. On the other hand, Lat picked up where he left off as he registered six kills, two blocks and an ace for nine points while Limuel Valderama and Gabriel Macatuno emerged with eight and six markers, respectively, to power the Junior Altas’ well-oiled assault.

Justine Castro led the way with eight hits for nine points but he couldn’t carry the Brigadiers in the third set, especially when the defensive Junior Altas started to impose their airtight defense both at the net and on the floor.

Also starting hot are Letran University, Mapua University and Arellano.

The Squires clobbered Jose Rizal University, 25-25, 25-21, 25-17 while the Red Robins crushed San Beda University, 25-23, 25-21, 25-21, and the Braves dominated La Salle Greenhills, 25-9, 25-17, 25-19 to round out the first day of action.