SHAKEY’S V-LEAGUE: Army guns for quarterfinal sweep

MANILA—Philippine Army guns for a sweep of the single-round quarterfinals against Maynilad Saturday even as Air Force and Navy collide in a virtual knockout match in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers will grab the top seed in the semifinals with a victory in the 2 p.m. encounter with the Water Dragons, who are already out of the running for a berth in the last four.

The Air Force-Navy match at 4 p.m. could determine the last semifinalist of the tournament as both teams only have a win to show so far in the quarterfinals.

The Lady Sailors have lost three straight games without lead blocker Michelle Laborte, who remains doubtful for the clash against the Airwomen.

Air Force drubbed Maynilad in straight sets last Sunday, thanks to superb efforts from guest players Jen Manzano and Aiza Maizo.

Navy bested Air Force in the elimination round and will be looking for a repeat behind former Most Valuable Players Suzanne Roces and Nene Bautista.

The Lady Troopers will go into the game against Maynilad oozing with confidence after routing San Sebastian in four sets in a battle of pacesetters last Thursday.

Rachel Anne Daquis, who saw limited action in the elimination round, and Michelle Carolino sparkled for Army, which has lost only once in 10 games.

Joy Cases, Nica Guliman and Syvie Artates provide attacking options for Maynilad, whose defense has been left wanting in the past few games.