University of Perpetual Help System Dalta sizzled early, posting back-to-back wins in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100 volleyball tournament on Saturday at the San Sebastian College Gym.
Shaila Omipon provided the firepower in lifting the Lady Altas to a 25-18, 28-26, 25-16 win over San Beda University in the women’s event while Kobe Brian Taguba made his presence felt for the Altas in posting a 25-22, 31-29, 25-23 victory over the Red Spikers in the men’s division.
Omipon, a product of Sto. Niño de Praga Academy in Cavite, dropped 16 hits with five excellent digs and four receptions while Winnie Bedaña and Camille Bustamante chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Altas, who are looking to win the title in the league’s centennial season.
Perpetual coach Sandy Rieta lauded her girls for a job well done despite their lack of personnel.
“Even if we’re not complete, we still found a way to win. This is a good start for us. Hopefully, there will be more victories to come,” said Rieta, who drew solid games from setter Fianne Ariola, Jodi Lozano and skipper Marian Andal in their quick work of the Lady Red Spikers.
Angelo Habacon served as the lone bright spot, scoring 10 points with a service ace for the Mendiola-based spikers.
In the men’s side, the Altas kicked off their campaign in the post-Sammy Acaylar era with an impressive win over the Red Spikers in just 74 minutes of action.
Taguba was at his best, dropping 14 in attacks for a 16-point performance while veteran Jeff Marapoc added 15 points, six digs and 15 excellent receptions for the Las Piñas-based hitters, who are extra motivated to play in memory of their late coach Acaylar.
But head coach Macky Cariño stressed that they have yet to show their true form.
“We are still adjusting. Hopefully, we will further improve in our next game. I just told them to just enjoy the game and limit their errors,” said Cariño, a long-time protege of Acaylar before he passed away last month.
“We dedicate this game and each of our games to our dear mentor, Coach Sammy Acaylar.”