Shakey’s V-League: SSC, Air Force volleybelles duel

MANILA—American reinforcement Lauren Ford will be on the spotlight once again when San Sebastian guns for its second victory against powerhouse Army Thursday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Impressive in her debut against Air Force last Sunday, the 26-year-old Ford expects a tougher test this time against an Army squad also seeking a second win.

Ford, who hails from Indiana, was actually contacted by current teammate Jen Salgado after the San Sebastian player who grew up in Switzerland saw her competing in Europe.

Air Force and Navy collide in the 2 p.m. match looking for their first victories, while Maynilad tests Perpetual Help at 6 p.m.

San Sebastian opened its campaign by repulsing Air Force, 25-15, 25-21, 25-22, with Ford, Analyn Benito and Jeng Bualee combining for 34 points.

But Army has the players who can stop the Lady Stags. National players Michelle Carolino and Joanne Bunag form an experienced and lethal attacking duo which gets support from the efficient play of veteran internationalist setter Tina Salak.

The Air Force volleybelles will lean on former University of Santo Tomas stars Aiza Maizo and veterans Cherry Macatangay and Wendy Semana as they look to barge into the win column.