Altas Spikers clinch NCAA finals berth via elims sweep
Louie Ramirez (14) and Michael Medalla (5) celebrate as the three-time defending champion Perpetual Help Altas Spikers made the finals of NCAA Season 99 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, May 5, after beating the EAC Generals 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City. PHOTO BY DENNIS ABRINA
Defending champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta booked its fourth straight finals appearance in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
The Altas Spikers defeated the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 in a battle of undefeated teams at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City to complete a 9-0 sweep of the elimination round and claim an outright seat in the championship series.
The Generals engaged the Altas into a neck to neck battle but Perpetual Help prevailed behind the leadership of last season’s Most Valuable Player and national pool member Louie Ramirez and the gutsy plays of Cebuano Jeffrey Marapoc.
Ramirez tallied 20 points on 19 attacks and an ace while Marapoc scored 13 points for the Altas, who are aiming for a league record 14th men’s volleyball crown.
Setter JC Enarcisco contributed 19 excellent sets and libero John Phillip Pepito chipped in 9 digs and 6 excellent receptions.
The Perpetual Help team of Dr. Tony Tamayo also swept the elims last year and defeated San Beda in the finals.
The Generals, who finished the season in second place with an 8-1 record, were led by Patrick Osabel and Ruther Abor who scored 20 and 14 points, respectively.