The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA locked up the Group A top spot in the NCAA Season 101 women's volleyball after weathering Mapua University, 25-20, 21-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-6, on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
The Lady ALTAs fell flat in Sets 2 and 4, but came alive when it mattered most thanks to the heroics of Cy Almeniana and Jem Menor, who both powered the Set 5 breakaway as they surged to a 11-2 card.
With the win, Perpetual ensured itself the top spot in Group A as the Lady Cardinals fell to 5-7.
Almeniana erupted for 28 points, including five in the deciding Set 5, while Menor and Camille Bustamante chipped in 14 and 13 markers each as they turned back a gritty Mapua side.
Perpetual started the fifth set strong, racing to a 6-0 start fueled by two attack points from Almeniana before Menor unleashed two kills that helped Perpetual secure a 10-3 cushion.
Geraldine Palacio then rejected Franchesca Esteban on the opposite side for a massive 13-5 lead before Almeniana unloaded two straight points to close it out.
Rookie Alexander Leabres and veteran opposite hitter Raissa Ricablanca paced Mapua with 18 points each while Freighanne Garcia posted 14 markers.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
