PLAYING like the powerhouse it was billed to be, Smart turned back Philippine Army, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-13 last night in the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Banking on strong performances from Phee Nook Kesinee and Alyssa Valdez, the Net Spikers survived a marathon 110-minute duel with the Army Women, gaining a psychological edge over their possible semifinal opponents.
Kesinee pumped in 23 points, while Valdez contributed 20 for the Net Spikers, who improved to 7-4. But it was Sue Roces who clinched the match for the Net Spikers with a tough drop shot that deceived the Army defense.
Earlier, Meralco smashed Philippine National Police, 25-19, 25-15, 16-25, 25-23, in a duel of teams already out of contention.
Maureen Ouano fired 17 hits while Chinese import Coco Wang, Stephanie Mercado and Fille Cainglet added 14, 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Power Spikers, who notched their fourth win against seven defeats.
The Patrollers remained winless in four matches in the quarterfinal round.
It was a tight battle all throughout, but Smart looked like it was ready to pull away after an 11-all deadlock when Wanida Kotruang, Smart’s new Thai recruit, scored on a quick set that made it 14-12 in the fifth.
But Wanida, who finished with eight points, bungled a potential clincher in the next play when she slammed her next kill into the net.
Smart’s victory also assured Cagayan of the No. 1 spot heading to the semis with the Rising Suns going for a sweep of their 12 matches against the Army Women, who dropped to 9-2, tomorrow.
The Net Spikers have the tough task of beating already-eliminated Meralco in the final quarters playdate to avoid a possible Final Four clash with the streaking Rising Suns.
Air Force, sporting a 6-5 card, still has a chance to force a tie for third with a victory over Philippine National Police coupled with a Smart loss.
Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Ann Daquis came through with 19 hits each for Army, which also drew 11 points apiece from Joanne Bunag and MJ Balse. Cedelf P. Tupas