Army, Smart in KO match for Shakey’s V-L title slot

ARMY and Smart dispute today the second finals slot in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference in Game 3 of their semifinal series at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with second seed Army, which won the title two years ago, hoping to build on its victory in Game 2 Friday and set up a finals meeting with unbeaten Cagayan Province.

But the third seeded Net Spikers remain upbeat as they also own a victory over the Army Women in the series that has turned out to be too close to call.

The Lady Rising Suns clinched the first finals berth after sweeping Air Force, 2-0, in their own best-of-three series.

Army lived to fight another day after battling its way to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-12, 23-25, 15-10 triumph over Smart last Friday.

Army coach Rico de Guzman is hoping his squad would come out with the same energy and intensity for the decider.

“It will be tough to beat Smart two games in a row, but I have confidence in my team,” said De Guzman.

The Army Women hold the advantage in experience with the likes of Mary Jean Balse, Joanne Bunag and Rachel Anne Daquis spearheading their bid.

De Guzman actually has plenty of attacking option at his disposal with Dahlia Cruz, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Tina Salak also capable of providing firepower for Army.

Smart has relied heavily on the trio of Alyssa Valdez, Kesinee Lithawat and Wanida Kotruang to get this far in the tournament.