Perpetual aims to keep rolling

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta aims to sustain its momentum when it faces struggling Jose Rizal University in Season 101 National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament today at the San Andres Gym.

Game time is at 11 a.m. with the Lady Altas looking to essay a fitting follow-up to their earthshaking victory over reigning champion College of Saint Benilde last Sunday.

Cyrille Alemania made her presence felt, dropping a game-high 27 points with 12 digs to lead the Lady Altas to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-23, 17-25, 16-14 triumph — their first victory over the powerhouse Lady Blazers since beating them in 2019.

“I told them that they should let that victory serve as an inspiration to stay hungry and focused,” said Perpetual coach Sandy Rieta, who drew firepower from Shaila Omipon, Charisse Enciso, and Jemalyn Menor that led to their massive win over Saint Benilde.

Meanwhile, Mapua College secured its first victory when it beat San Sebastian College, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-19, on Tuesday at the same Malate, Manila venue.

Raissa Ricablanca led the way with 18 points for the Lady Cardinals, who improved to 1-1.

“This was a huge bounce-back game, especially after we fell short last time,” said Ricablanca, who also drew support from Freighanne Garcia with 16 points, Alyana Ong with 13, and Alex Leabres with 12 markers.

“Good thing more players stepped up today, so we just need more of that moving forward.”

Still, all eyes will be on Perpetual as it shoots for another win that would boost its morale in the crucial stretch of the tournament.

Against the Lady Blazers, Omipon fired 12 points with 12 excellent receptions while Enciso and Menor chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Fianne Ariola also did an impressive job, posting 20 excellent sets while Joanna Denise Lozano contributed 32 digs and 15 receptions.

The Lady Altas will be facing a Lady Bombers squad that is hungry for a victory following its heartbreaking four-set loss to San Sebastian College last Saturday, 25-17, 20-19, 19-25, 25-19.