University of Perpetual Help System DALTA strengthened its semifinals hopes with a convincing sweep of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-16, 30-28, 25-19, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Reeling from a narrow five-set defeat to Colegio de San Juan de Letran last August 23, the Lady Altas got timely heroics from Shaila Omipon and Geraldine Palacio to complete an epic second-set comeback, sealing a crucial victory and keeping their playoff bid alive in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Omipon led the charge with 11 points, including nine attacks and two aces, complemented by 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
With the win, Perpetual improved to a 2-3 record, moving just one game behind Letran (2-2) for fourth place.
“It’s a matter of strong heart. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na huwag natin ibibigay kahit ano mangyari. Manalo or matalo basta ang importante, lalaban at lalaban tayo, which is ‘yon yung nangyari sa game and sa second set,” Lady Altas head coach Sandy Rieta said.
In the second set, Ateneo was on the verge of tying the match after a Dona de Leon block and a Charisse Enrico attack error gave the Blue Eagles a 24-20 lead.
But Perpetual surged at the perfect moment, overcoming eight Ateneo set points in the extended second frame.
Back-to-back errors by Gena Hora and Faye Nisperos, along with a Palacio rejection on Ana Hermosura, completed the Lady Altas’ remarkable fightback, giving them a two-set advantage.
Perpetual weathered a back-and-forth start in the third set, turning a 13-all deadlock into a pivotal 17-13 lead behind consecutive aces from Omipon.
That run proved decisive as a Pauline Reyes down-the-line kill, an Omipon cutshot, and back-to-back errors by Nisperos sealed the Lady Altas’ sweep of the Blue Eagles in just 88 minutes.
