Perpetual Help scores double victory in NCAA volleyball

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta opened its NCAA Season 100 campaign with back to back wins against San Beda University on Saturday at the San Sebastian College gym in Manila.

The Altas defeated the Red Lions, 25-22, 31-29, 25-23, at 9 a.m. while their counterparts in the women's division scored a similar 25-18, 28-26, 25-16 victory in their 11 a.m. duel.

Kobe Brian Taguba led the Altas with 16 points, including 14 attacks to begin their quest for a fifth straight men's championship.

Veteran Jeff Marapoc added 15 points, 6 digs and 15 excellent receptions and Klint Mateo recorded 17 excellent sets for the Las Pin̈as City-based team under new coach Macky Carino.

'We are still adjusting, hopefully we can improve on our chemistry in our next games. Today, I just told them to enjoy the game and minimize the errors," said Carino, who took over the reins from multi-titled coach Sammy Acaylar, who passed away last month.

"We dedicated this game, and each of our games this season, to our dear mentor, coach Sammy Acaylar."

Axel Van Book, meanwhile, led the Mendiola-based University with 16 points.

The Lady Altas, on the other hand, drew a superb game from Shaile Omipon.

The spiker from Cavite finished with 16 points, 5 excellent digs and 4 receptions for Perpetual Help.

Winnie Bedan̈a and Camille Bustamante added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Setter Fianne Ariola added 3 points and 15 excellent sets.

"Even though we are not complete, it's a good start for the team," said coach Sandy Rieta, referring to the absence of middle blocker Charisse Enrico (injury) and rookie Jem Menor (illness).

"There are a lot of things we need to improve but this is a good start."

Angel Habacon paced San Beda with 10 points, including one service ace.