Shakey’s V-League: Army tackles Air Force

MANILA—Philippine Army tries to inch closer to the semifinals when it takes on Air Force in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Sunday.

The Lady Troopers, needing only two more wins to secure a Final Four berth, shoot for a third victory versus the Airwomen in the single round-robin quarterfinals at 4 p.m. at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

First conference champion Ateneo and Maynilad earlier vie for their first quarterfinal triumph in the first game at 2 p.m.

Practically dominating every department, the Lady Troopers remain favored behind sisters Michelle and Marietta Carolino, Rachel Ann Daquis and Joanne Buñag.

But the Airwomen, vying to rebound from their first quarterfinal setback, are expected to pose a challenge with former league Most Valuable Player Aiza Maizo joining hands with Jennifer Manzano, Cherry May Vivas, Liza Deramos, Wendy Semana and Amelia Guanco.

Only the top four teams will advance, with the top seed clashing with the fourth-ranked squad and the No. 2 team battling the third seed in a pair of best-of-three duels.

Army shares top spot with idle San Sebastian at 2-0.

The title-favorite Lady Troopers, who already disposed of Navy and Ateneo, lead the league in spikes and blocks.

The Lady Troopers own a 35.55 percent clip on spikes (427 out of 1,202 attempts), slightly edging the Lady Stags’ 33.84 percentage (380 out of 1,123 attempts).

In the blocking department, the Lady Troopers posted 72 off kills, way ahead of the second-running 53 by the Airwomen.