Smart seeks 2nd Shakey’s V-League victory

Dominant on opening day, Smart-Maynilad guns for a second straight victory when it takes on a Philippine National Police squad still in search of its first win in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Smart-Maynilad spikers set out as heavy favorite in the 2 p.m. duel after flashing fearsome form in their debut against Far Eastern U.

Looking to go one better this year after losing in the finals last year, Cagayan makes its debut against Air Force in the 4 p.m. clash.

Smart rolled to a straight-sets victory against the Lady Tamaraws last Sunday with Maru Banaticla sparkling in the absence of lead hitter Alyssa Valdez.

Smart coach Roger Gorayeb said his team remains a work in progress even after the dominant performance.

“We’re still trying to improve the cohesion of the team,” said Gorayeb, whose squad fortunately has two of the best setters in the country in Rubie de Leon and Jem Ferrer.

Gorayeb has a wealth of attacking talent with Valdez and Suzanne Roces among his lead hitters.

But PNP is also aching to bounce back from a five-set loss to Meralco. A string of errors doomed PNP in the final set, allowing Meralco to erase a one-set deficit and seize victory.

PNP will pin its hopes on Frances Molina, who finished with 22 points against Meralco, and Michelle Datuin.

Former University of Santo Tomas stalwarts Angeli Tabaquero and Aiza Maizo will be at the forefront of Cagayan’s bid, along with Perpetual Help’s Sandra delos Santos.

Air Force also has a formidable crew led by former UST setter Rhea Dimaculangan, Jennifer Manzano and Wendy Anne Semana.  Cedelf P. Tupas