Aside from winning the whole thing, Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar has another goal in the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge.
And that is to help NCAA teams gain their much-deserved respect from the volleyball community.
“Ang mindset namin is always to be number one,” said Acaylar after the Altas defeated Ateneo de Manila University in four sets.
After beating Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines, respectively, Perpetual took down another UAAP school in the Blue Eagles after a 22-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-2 outing in the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena last Sunday.
Louie Ramirez fired 23 points on 22 attacks and a block while Hero Austria had 15 points, 14 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs to help the reigning NCAA champion move to 3-0 in Pool B.
“I don’t like na maisip nila na kapag NCAA (team), mahina. That is why kami sa Perpetual volleyball team talagang pinipilit namin na ang respect sa amin sa NCAA mataas (just like) sa mga champion sa UAAP,” said Acaylar.
“That’s why kumbaga, ‘wag naman akong i-bash, gusto ko talagang manalo sa mga UAAP teams.”
Moving forward, the long-time volleyball coach said that the team will be using its past experiences against the Tamaraws, the Fighting Maroons, and the Blue Eagles as they look to end the Collegiate Challenge at the top.
“Sabi ko sa kanila yung first game namin FEU, second game namin (sa UP), tapos itong sa Ateneo sabi ko pagsama-samahin natin lahat ng learnings natin doon sa tatlong games para doon sa next game and I told them always na we have to respect each team kasi lahat ‘yan ay naghahanda at magagaling,” Acaylar said.
“Magagaling ang teams, magagaling din ang mga coaches.”
