The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA regrouped just in time to overcome Mapua University, 20-25, 14-25, 25-14, 25-16, 15-4, in NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
The ALTAs got nothing going on in the first two sets, but they rediscovered their winning form in the next three frames to complete the comeback and cruise to their third win in a row for a 10-3 card.
Even prior to the game, Perpetual had already clinched a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals round. The Cardinals, meanwhile, fell to a 6-6 card and will hope to end the preliminary round on a high note when they take on De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday.
John Castil led the five-set comeback with 17 points built on 12 attacks, four blocks, and one ace while Marc Tangon and Zain Mohammad chipped in 13 and 12 markers apiece with the former also grabbing three digs and nine receptions.
Senior setter Klint Mateo also starred with 24 excellent sets to go with eight points, including the game-winning point that sealed the come-from-behind act.
Perpetual was quick to put the losses in Sets 1 and 2 behind as Mateo came alive when it mattered most after sending the Las Piñas crew to a huge 9-3 start in the fifth frame as the Cardinals slowly faded.
Mohammad then denied Olsen Jamisola on the opposite for a 12-3 cushion before Mapua clinched the match point off a service error from the Cardinals, 14-4. Mateo sealed the deal by hitting a one-two play that ultimately turned back the Cardinals.
Arjay Ramos led Mapua with 18 points and 12 receptions while Barbie San Andres and Jamisola chimed in with 16 and 10 markers each.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
