The NCAA took the do-or-die quarterfinals showdown between the Perpetual Help Lady Altas and EAC Lady Generals to Bacoor, Cavite on Thursday. In the end, Perpetual averted a monumental upset, winning over EAC in straight sets, 25-12, 25-19, 25-18, to secure a Final Four berth.
After losing their twice-to-beat advantage with a stunning loss on March 14, the Lady Altas were noticeably eager to put an end to EAC’s two-game winning streak and avoid what would’ve been an epic collapse.
The Lady Altas quickly set the tone in the opening frame. After holding a slim 12-10 lead, they unleashed a massive scoring surge to widen the gap to 21-10 before comfortably taking the set.
The Lady Generals attempted to stay within striking distance in the second set, with Mae Pasaol delivering back-to-back attacks to trim the deficit to 21-18. However, consecutive errors by EAC allowed Perpetual to close the frame and move within a set of advancing.
EAC tried to spark a comeback in the third set behind rookie, Joy Perez, who fired two consecutive kills to keep the Lady Generals in the hunt at 13-10. But the Lady Altas regained control late as Jem Menor delivered a crucial down-the-line hit before challenging the defense of freshman Ashley Toriado to push Perpetual to match point. Cha Enrico had a quick attack off a perfect pass to officially seal the victory.
Jem Menor and Cy Almeniana Lead Perpetual to the Semis
Menor led the way for Perpetual with a triple-double of 14 points, 12 digs, and 12 receptions, while Cy Almeniana also scored 14 points. Shai Omipon and Enrico added 10 points each in the win.
EAC’s Perez was limited to 12 points, while Toriado was held to just 5. The Lady Generals’ graduating star, Alex Razonable, also struggles and wasn’t effective on the offensive end.
With the victory, Perpetual advances to the semifinals for the first time since Season 98. The Lady Altas will face four-time defending champion Benilde Lady Blazers in a best-of-three series beginning Sunday at Bacoor, Cavite.
