Army eyes q’finals slot, battles Meralco

Army tries to rebound from its first loss even as Philippine Air Force seeks to boost its quarterfinal bid against struggling Navy today in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Army Women, with a 3-1 record, are in for a tough battle against a dangerous Meralco squad in the 4 p.m. game after the Air Force-Navy duel.

A victory will assure Army a slot in the quarterfinals along with Cagayan Valley.

Meralco, which has picked up its form in its last two games, is also trying to gain entry in the quarterfinals with a match to spare in the elimination round.

Foiled by Cagayan the last time out, Army  hopes to come out with more energy behind Mary Jean Balse and Michelle Carolino.

A listless Army squad dropped a 9-25, 16-25, 20-25 decision to the Rising Suns, who prevailed in just over an hour in the match billed as a championship preview.

The Army Women will have their hands full anew against the Power Spikers who also boast of a solid core led by top hitter Coco Wang and former collegiate stars Stephanie Mercado, Maica Morada and Fille Cainglet.

The Power Spikers have not played since Sept. 3 when they subdued Navy, 25-21, 25-22, 25-16 for their second straight victory.

Air Force is coming off a 25-22, 25-18, 25-17 over a shorthanded Smart squad last week.

Navy finally broke into the win column at the expense of Far Eastern U last Friday.