V-League: Army eyes Shakey’s V-League quarterfinals vs Maynilad

MANILA—A surging Philippine Army squad seeks to extend its unbeaten run to four games when it tangles with Maynilad today in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

A victory in the 4 p.m. duel with the Water Dragons will assure the Army spikers of a spot in the quarterfinals of the seven-team tournament.

Air Force and Navy gun for their third straight victories when they collide in the first game at 2 p.m.

It will be an explosive duel as former MVPs Nene Bautista and Suzanne Roces and Michelle Laborte pit skills with Air Force standouts Aiza Maizo and Cherry Rose Macatangay.

Navy is coming off a 25-18, 25-23, 25-21 conquest of Ateneo the last time out with Roces and Bautista combining for 29 points.

Army will again pin its hopes on Michelle Carolino, Joanne Bunag and Mary Jean Balse, who joined forces in comprehensive victories against Navy, Air Force and Perpetual Help.

Rachel Ann Daquis, Marietta Carolino, Dahlian Cruz, libero Patricia Torres and setters Cristina Salak and Ma. Therese Iratay are expected to provide the trio with support against the Water Dragons, who are coming off a straight-set loss to San Sebastian.

Bunag was in stellar form against Perpetual, hitting 15 points in a 28-26, 25-17, 25-22 victory.

Guest player Joy Cases and mainstays Nica Guliman, the league’s leading blocker, Syvie Artates, Melissa Mirasol, Mervic Mangui and setter Charisse Ancheta will lead the Water Dragons’ bid.