University of Perpetual Help System DALTA notched its first win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping Mapua University, 25-13, 25-9, 25-13, snapping a two-game skid, Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Shai Omipon came off the bench to put the finishing touches on the one-hour-and-six-minute match, scoring five points—three of which came in the third set.
The victory not only marked a breakthrough for the Lady Altas but also provided a foundation for their young squad to build on moving forward.
"Yung adjustments sa kung ano pa 'yung kulang ng team at kulang nga mag individual players na nakita namin sa first two games namin. Kasi medyo bago 'tong team eh; 'yung chemistry is hinahanap ko pa rin 'yung ila-line up sa loob. Kaya papalit-palit ako ng starting six nung mga nakaraan," said head coach Sandy Rieta.
Perpetual executed its game plan and stuck with it, racking up 42 attacks compared to Mapua’s 15. Their strong service game proved decisive, delivering seven aces, with Pauline Reyes accounting for three.
Setter Fianne Ariola dished out 14 excellent sets while also contributing five points—three spikes, one block, and one ace.
Geraldine Palacio also stood out with 10 points, highlighted by three blocks, five kills, and two service aces.
"Nasa status tayo ngayon ng learning system. Kumbaga kung ano 'yung hindi mga weakness, errors natin last season, subukan nating palitan ng maganda," Rieta added.
The Lady Altas (1-2) will aim for back-to-back wins when they face Letran (0-1) on Saturday at 3 p.m., still at the Paco Arena.
For Mapua, Freighanne Garcia and Alex Leabres scored four points apiece, while team captain Alyanna Ong was held to just one point off a block.
The Lady Cardinals (0-3) will attempt to secure their first win against the same Letran squad the following day, Sunday, at 10 a.m.
