PNP, Navy dispute last Shakey’s q’final slot

Philippine National Police and Navy dispute the last quarterfinal berth even as Philippine Army hopes to lock up the No. 2 spot in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Both toting 1-5 records, the Lady Patrollers and the Lady Sailors square off at 4 p.m. with the winner joining Cagayan Valley, Army, Air Force, Smart and Meralco in the next phase.

But the survivor will also have a lot of catching up to do in the next round starting Sunday where records from the elimination phase will be carried over.

Army warms up for tougher battles ahead when it squares off with already-eliminated Far Eastern University in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.

The Army Women are coming off a five-set victory over Smart, where Jovelyn Gonzaga sparkled with 22 hits.

FEU goes into the game just three days after getting bundled out of quarterfinal contention by PNP.

The Lady Patrollers proved a tough nut to crack against Meralco and Cagayan, pushing the two quarterfinalists to the limit, before yielding in five sets.

The Lady Patrollers kept their quarterfinal hopes alive and snapped a five-game losing skid with a 25-20, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 victory over the Lady Tamaraws last Tuesday.

“We have to improve on our reception,” said PNP mentor Bob Malenab, who also expects more from his Thai import Patcharee Sangmuang.

The Lady Patrollers will also pin their hopes on Janine Marciano and Frances Molina, who combined for 33 points against the Lady Tamaraws.

The Lady Sailors will counter with experienced campaigners Rosemarie Prochina, Cecille Cruzada and lead blocker Michelle Laborte.