Perpetual survives lengthy match vs. Benilde to open NCAA men's beach volleyball bid

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA displayed the heart of a champion, gutting out a hard-fought 24-22, 27-25 win against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the NCAA Season 100 men's beach volleyball tournament on Tuesday.

The reigning two-time champion thus opened their title defense bid on a high note as they now bank on a new-look trio of Jeff Marapoc, Klint Mateo, and Dexter Arrozado.

The ALTAs completed the win in their first game without multi-titled Louie Ramirez, who is now showing his wares with Cignal in the Spikers' Turf.

Meanwhile, Colegio de San Juan de Letran had an impressive opening day run after defeating both San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Mapua University.

Bannered by John Wayne Arano, John Derrick Bautista, and Christer  Ambrocio, the Knights bucked a slow start before eking out a 17-21, 21-11, 15-10 win over the Stags while they did the same trick over Mapua, 15-21, 21-18, 15-12.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News