Shakey’s V-League: Army, Air Force tossers swing into action

MANILA, Philippines — With A virtual all-star crew, Philippine Army opens its campaign against University of the Philippines in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers, who boast three MVPs and even more ace hitters, tangle with a UP side that hopes to bounce back from an opening-day loss at 2 p.m.

Philippine Air Force, also an early favorite, takes on Philippine National Police in the second game at 4 p.m.

Former MVPs Nene Bautista, MJ Balse and Michelle Carolino banner the heavily favored Lady Troopers, who have also signed up the comely and talented duo of Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga.

Both Daquis and Gonzaga are coming off a successful stint with Far Eastern University which they led to a surprise championship romp last conference.

The Lady Maroons, though, hope to put up a strong challenge the way they did against the similarly fancied National University in the opener last Sunday.

After surprisingly stealing the first set from the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Maroons kept within striking distance before bowing, 18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-23.

Katherine Bersola fired 17 points and Nicole Tiamzon added 14 to pace the Lady Maroons.

Air Force also has a former MVP in Sandra delos Santos, who will be supported by Joy Cases, Iari Yongco, Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan.

The Raiders are likewise tipped to have the edge over the Lady Patrollers, who absorbed a 15-25, 12-25, 21-25 beating against Ateneo on opening day. Only France Molina finished in double figures for the Lady Patrollers.