The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA claimed its first win in the second round of the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-19, 25-17, 17-25, 25-23, on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The win came after Perpetual's four-game skid which dates back to April 4 during their match against Mapua University. The Lady ALTAs then opened the second round with three straight losses.
With the victory, the Las Piñas crew improved to 8-5, while EAC slipped to 3-10.
After pulling off a victory in the third set, momentum shifted on the Lady Generals' side as they led 12-6 before the lead inched closer, 15-14. As EAC continued to hold Perpetual off in the final set, the likes of Shai Omipon, Winnie Bedaña, and Fifi Ariola managed to keep the game close.
An attack error then tied the match at 18 before Bedaña gave the lead to the Lady ALTAs, 20-18.
The surge continued as Jem Menor joined the party before Jing Alimen's service ace put EAC within one. Menor gave again the lead to the Lady ALTAs before a net fault was called on on them to cut their lead, 22-21. Bedaña's attack handed a two-point lead but Magalona answered with her own to trim the deficit anew.
Omipon put Perpetual at match point, but Alimen salvaged one for EAC. Eventually, Ariola sealed the victory for the Lady ALTAs.
Omipon had 16 points and 12 digs, while rookie Camille Bustamante also stood out with 16 points from 15 attacks and an ace.
Alimen had 17 points from 15 attacks, a block, and an ace to lead EAC, while Cara Dayanan and Jamaica Villena chipped in 11 points apiece.
EAC will play on Wednesday against Jose Rizal University, while Perpetual will return to action on May 16 after a short tournament break as they face San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
