Photo courtesy of NCAA.
Jem Menor stepped up in the final moments to help the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA secure a 25-14, 25-22, 25-20 victory against Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
The 20-year-old outside hitter produced timely attacks that kept the Lady ALTAs ahead, fending off a late Set 3 rally from the Lady Bombers and helping her team rebound from a previous loss to Benilde.
Menor finished with 11 points and eight digs, contributing on both offense and defense. Charisse Enrico added 15 points, including three strong blocks at the net, while Cyrille Almeniana and Camille Bustamante supported with 13 points each. Veteran Shai Omipon played sparingly in Sets 2 and 3.
The win allowed Perpetual to reclaim sole possession of the Group A lead with a 9-2 record and secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. JRU fell to 2-9 after the loss.
The Lady Bombers briefly threatened in the third set by tying the score at 15-all, with Julia Dimatawaran returning one of Enrico’s kills. Menor then scored two points in a 3-0 run that gave Perpetual an 18-15 cushion.
Dimatawaran continued to challenge Perpetual with another block on a combination play from Almeniana, narrowing the gap to 17-19.
Perpetual responded with a 5-1 surge, capped by an ace from Omipon to extend the lead to 24-18. JRU attempted a late rally with consecutive blocks from Kring Batara, but Almeniana’s down-the-line hit sealed the match.
Batara led the Lady Bombers with 13 points, including five blocks, while Nicole Deala added 11 markers in the losing effort.