SWU seeks early lead vs Arellano in V-League tilt

MANILA, Philippines — Southwestern U seeks the early lead in Group A Thursday when it clashes with Arellano U, even as Adamson and St. Louis U aim to bounce back in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Cobras showed poise and composure in hacking out a five set victory over St. Louis last Tuesday behind Lutgarda Malaluan’s endgame heroics.

While SWU coach Jordan Paca hailed the resilience of his squad, he hopes the Lady Cobras won’t leave it too close for comfort as they face stronger opposition in Arellano at 2 p.m.

The Lady Chiefs are a formidable bunch with a lineup bannered by skipper Lou Oserio and backstopped by guest players Eleonor Sierra and Ronerry dela Cruz and mainstays Danna Henson and Menchie Tubiera.

Adamson and SLU collide at 4 p.m. in another Group A showdown.

The Lady Falcons took a four-set loss to the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the opener last Sunday.

But with an experienced team led by Pau Soriano, they are fancied against the Baguio-based team making its first stint in the V-League.

Thai standout Pacharee Sangmuang is also in the Adamson lineup, making the task even more difficult for the Lady Navigators, who will lean on Krissian Tsuchiya, Colleen Rossi and Roxanne Almonte.

A loss for SLU will send the Lady Navigators closer to early elimination as only the top four teams from each group will advance to the Last 8 phase after the single round eliminations.