Shakey’s V-League semis starts

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University and Adamson will try to ride the momentum that brought them to the Final Four of the Shakey’s V-League Season II First Conference when they face separate semifinal opponents Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Invincible in their bracket, the Lady Bulldogs face the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in their best-of-three duel at 4 p.m. while the Lady Falcons open their series against the Far Eastern U Lady Tamaraws earlier at 2.

The Lady Bulldogs swept all their three assignments to secure the top seeding in their group while the Lady Falcons won their last two games in the other bracket to emerge No. 1 after a shaky start in the quarterfinals.

Though Adamson could build on those victories, the Falcons should brace for a tough stand from the Lady Tamaraws, who were into serious contenders with the sudden entries of Rachel Ann Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga as reinforcements.

Adamson will also have to contend with FEU hitters Mary Joy Palma and Bernadette Pons.

Shiela Pineda, Pau Soriano and Thai Pacharee Sangmuang are expected to star for the Lady Falcons after combining well in their surprising quarterfinal victory over the Tigresses.

The Falcons will also bank on Mylene Paat, May Macatuno, Marleen Cortel and Amanda Villanueva.

Towering sisters Jaja and Dindin Santiago are the focal points of the Lady Bulldogs’ offense as they aim to duplicate a victory in the eliminations over the Tigresses and move within a win of making a return trip to the Finals.

The Tigresses will lean on ace high school hitter Ennajie Laure, Carmela Tunay, Rhea Dimaculangan, Pam Lastimosa and Marivic Meneses.