3 squads have Shakey’s V-League edge

A ROOKIE squad and two teams from the armed services head the list of favorites when the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference fires off tomorrow at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

PLDT Home Telpad debuts with National University star Dindin Santiago at the helm, while Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force boast a slew of veterans in the country’s premier women’s volleyball league.

Action gets going tomorrow with the NU Lady Bulldogs, who now have to do with just half of the towering Santiago sisters, clashing with University of the Philippines at 2 p.m.

Ateneo, the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball champion, tangles with the Philippine National Police at 4.

Aside from tapping Santiago, who parted ways with younger sister Jaja, PLDT assembled a star-studded crew that includes former league MVP Suzanne Roces, San Sebastian star Gretchel Soltones and veterans Angela Benting, Charo Soriano and Laurence Ann Latigay.

Mentored by Roger Gorayeb, PLDT also signed up Rubie de Leon, Jem Ferrer, Ryzabelle Devanedara, Carmina Aganon, Lizlee Pantone, Royce Estampa and Alyssa Eroa.

Philippine Army, meanwhile, banners the champion duo of Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga, who powered Far Eastern University to its first league crown last month.

Ace hitters Mary Jean Balse and Nene Bautista make the Lady Troopers even more formidable along with veteran setter Tina Salak, Michelle Carolino, Joanne Buñag and Tin Agno.

Philippine Air Force, which ruled the Philippine National Games last month, kept its core, led by Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz and Judy Caballejo.

But defending champion Cagayan Valley hopes to regain its firepower with some prized acquisitions headed by former Adamson star Pau Soriano

The Rising Suns, the first team in the league to complete a 16-0 conference sweep last year, also tapped former FEU standout Chie Saet, Adamson mainstay Faye Guevara, former PNP player Janine Marciano and local recruit Gemelyn Seguirre of Gonzaga National High in Cagayan.