THREE-PEAT champions University of Perpetual Help Altas Men’s Spikers remain the title favorites in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 volleyball tournament, kicking off on April 7 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in Barangay Corazon De Jesus, San Juan City.
The Altas men’s volleyball team of multi-titled head coach Sinfronio ‘Sammy’ Acaylar are seeking a fourth consecutive men’s volleyball title as they parade an intact roster, led by reigning MVP Louie Ramirez, Michael Medalla, KC Andrade, Jeff Marapoc, JC Enarciso and Philip Pepito.
“It’s very hard to prepare because we are defending champions, all eyes are on us. Only one player ang nag-graduate, si Joshua Zareño, so mostly intact ang lineup ko,” said Acaylar.
“So far, maganda naman ang pre-season namin, for the tune-ups. Maybe, alignment na lang sa mental toughness nila ang dini-develop ko. Kapag nauunahan sila, sometimes nawawala sa focus sa laro,” Acaylar added.
Joining the team are rookies Klint Mateo, Dexter Arrozado, John Castil, Christian Taytayon and James Pascua
The core of the championship team wants to duplicate the title run from 2010 to 2014, making the Altas one of winningest teams under Acaylar with 13 titles, same with Letran.
The Altas annexed their third consecutive men’s volleyball tournament crown last year by defeating the San Beda University Red Lions in their best-of-three championship series.
Meanwhile, the Lady Altas of head coach Sandy Rieta are eyeing a good start for this season following her team’s good pre-season.
The Lady Altas placed 3rd with an intact line up in Season 98, thanks to MVP Mary Rhose Dapol and Best Libero Marian Andal as they look to enter the semis round again this year.
The Dr. Antonio Tamayo-owned Lady Altas team, which won the 1st Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association last December 2023 under the Bacoor Strikers’ banner, will be carrying the momentum of this feat in the NCAA.
Kawiteño coach Rieta will again parade graduating senior players team captain Razel Aldea, Mary Rhose Dapol, Bebang Ocado, Krisha Cordero with Andal, Winnie Bedaña Charisse Enrico, Shaila Omipon and setter Jhasmine Sapin.
Rieta also added rookie recruits Micay Mindanao, Cyrille Almeniana, Fianne Ariola, Daizerlyn Uy, Nicollete Gaa and Camille Bustamante to the team.
