Lady Altas stun reigning champs

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta posted a strong start and a stronger finish to pull off a five-set conquest of reigning champion College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 17-25, 16-14, in Season 101 National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the San Andres Gym.

Comebacking Cyrille Almeniana was on fire, piercing the defense with 25 of her 27 points from attacks with 12 digs to lead the Lady Altas to their first win over the powerhouse Lady Blazers in seven years.

Shaila Omipon, team captain Charisse Enrico and Jemalyn Menor added 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively, to help the Las Piñas-based spikers gain their first win of the season.

Setter Fianne Ariola was also impressive, tallying 20 excellent sets in 136 attempts while libero Jody Lozano collected 32 excellent digs and 15 receptions in two hours and 14 minutes of action.

“I told them not to give up and maintain our composure on defense,” said Perpetual coach Sandy Rieta, who did a good job outcoaching Saint Benilde mentor Jerry Yee in the crucial stretch of the match.