University of Perpetual Help System Dalta is navigating a period of transition, with four of their seven starting players from last season having moved on from their collegiate careers.
This reshuffling has opened the door for new talent to step up and make their mark in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge.
The Altas, the four-time NCAA defending champions, have bid farewell to a core group of standout players.
Former MVP Louie Ramirez has joined Cignal in the Spikers’ Turf, while libero Philip Pepito is now with Criss Cross. Additionally, the team has lost setter JC Enarciso and middle blocker Michael Medalla.
In the face of these departures, the Altas are looking to new leaders to drive their success. KC Andrade, Jefferson Marapoc, and Klint Mateo are expected to fill the void left by the veterans and guide the team through this challenging season.
The new-look Altas showcased their potential with a significant victory last Thursday at the Paco Arena. They pulled off a dramatic five-set win against Far Eastern University, with scores of 23-25, 15-25, 26-24, 25-21, 15-6. This win came after a tough start to the V-League, where they dropped their opening match.
Head coach Sammy Acaylar has been vocal about the need for the team to adapt and embrace their new reality.
“Actually kasi, lagi kong sinasabi sa team ko na we have to accept na wala na si Louie, wala na si Pepito, wala na si Enarciso, wala na si Medalla,” Acaylar said.
He emphasized the importance of rising to the occasion and not letting the absences bring them down.
“Tanggapin natin yun, tapos i-challenge natin yung sarili natin na hindi pwedeng porket wala na sila ay idadown na natin yung sarili natin. Kayo na ngayon ang mag-aangat sa eskwelahan natin,” he added.
Under Acaylar's guidance, the Altas have responded to the challenge with resilience.
They have recently secured two consecutive wins, both in five-set thrillers – one against Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the other against FEU.
These victories highlight the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure, even with a reshuffled lineup.
Acaylar’s confidence in his team remains unwavering, rooted in his well-established training program that has previously driven the Altas to multiple championships.
“Number one, dahil yan sa training namin na habang tumatagal sila nang tumatagal, nagiging diesel sila eh,” he explained.
“Nakukuha nila yun sa program ko kaya sabi ko sa kanila, kahit natalo tayo ng isa o dalawang set, huwag niyong intindihin yun. Dahil sa huli, umaangat nang umaangat yung laro at energy namin kaya nagiging maganda ang resulta."
