MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Army and San Sebastian hope to carry their strong run over to the semifinals versus separate opponents at the start of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Final Four Sunday.
Powered by Mary Jean Balse and the Carolino sisters, the Lady Troopers take on a resurgent Ateneo side in Game 1 at 2 p.m. at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Stags, similarly a powerhouse with American Lauren Ford and Thai Jeng Baulee, battle the Navy in the other best-of-three encounter at 4 p.m.
Although the Army swept Ateneo in two meetings this season, the Lady Troopers vie to stay on guard following the the Lady Eagles’ surprise win to nail the last semifinal berth last Thursday.
With Alyssa Valdez and Fille Cainglet providing the firepower, the Lady Eagles turned back the favored Air Force in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 11-25, 25-17, 19-25, 15-9, in the playoff to advance to last four.
Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Aerieal Patnongon and Dennise Lazaro have also been providing support for the Lady Eagles, the first conference champions.
“We’ll just do our best, besides, nobody even expected us to reach this stage,” Ateneo coach Parley Tupaz said of the Lady Eagles, who overcame their early struggles, including a five-game losing skid in the eliminations.
Known for their fierce attacks on the net, the Lady Troopers also have Rachel Ann Daquis and Joanne Buñag to turn to aside from Balse and Michelle and Marietta Carolino.
Ford, who averages 17.1 hits in 12 games, and Bualee also have a strong supporting cast behind Joy Benito, Jill Gustilo, Janet Doria and Rubie de Leon.
But the Lady Sailors’ hope to counter the Lady’s Stags’ strong attacks behind Nene Bautista and Suzanne Roces, both former Most Valuable Players, along with Michelle Laborte and Cecile Cruzada.
For live streaming of the games, visit www.v-league.ph. Games will also be aired on a delayed basis on NBN-4 and GMA-7’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA LifeTV and GMA News TV.