Shakey’s V-League: Maynilad, Air Force battle for survival

MANILA—Maynilad and Air Force try to stay in the fight in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference when they tangle with favored rivals at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Toting similar 1-3 records, the Water Dragons and Airwomen can forge playoff matches for the remaining two semifinal berths with victories over San Sebastian and Ateneo, respectively, today.

Victories by the Lady Stags and the Lady Eagles, however, will complete the semifinal cast that will also include Navy and Army.

The Water Dragons and Lady Stags take the floor at 2 p.m. before the Ateneo-Air Force encounter.

San Sebastian is coming off a stinging four-set loss to Army that snapped its seven-game winning run dating back to the elimination round.

The Lady Stags are in for a tough challenge anew with the Water Dragons looking to go all out to keep their semifinal ambitions alive.

Its hopes of advancing in jeopardy after a 0-4 start to the quarterfinals, Maynilad grabbed a lifeline with a four-set upset of erstwhile unbeaten Army last Sunday.

But the Lady Stags present a far different challenge for the Water Dragons as San Sebastian boasts the tallest player in the league in 6-foot-2 American Lauren Ford, who is also the top scorer this conference.

Foiled by Navy last Sunday, the Airwomen get another crack at their second win of the quarterfinals against an Ateneo side that they also defeated in the elimination round.

The Airwomen, though, will again be without Cherry Rose Macatangay, who is still out because of injury.

Aiza Maizo will try to carry the cudgels for Air Force, along with fellow guest player Jennifer Manzano.

Fille Cainglet and Alyssa Valdez will again spearhead Ateneo’s attack with help from Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Aerieal Patnongon and Jamenea Ferrer.