Shakey’s V-League: Ex-MVPs lift Army, PLDT

MANILA, Philippines — Two former MVPs showed they’re still on top of their game as Philippine Army and PLDT Home Telpad hurdled separate opponents to grab a share of the top spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Mary Jean Balse, the league’s inaugural MVP in 2004 before bagging the same plum five seasons later, proved to be an imposing force in powering the Army Lady Troopers to their second straight win with a 25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 25-23 decision of the Air Force Raiders.

Suzanne Roces, also a two-time MVP, likewise came up with vintage plays to lift the PLDT Power Attackers past the Ateneo Lady Eagles in straight sets, 25-21, 25-13, 26-24.

Balse registered 13 attacks, three blocks and four aces as the Lady Troopers drilled seven of the match’s last nine points to foil the Raiders’ late fightback for a fifth set.

Rachel Anne Daquis, last conference’s Finals MVP, nailed the match-clincher with a block off Maika Ortiz to finish with 20 points, including five blocks and six service aces.

“We really worked on our blocking,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.

The Lady Troopers also peppered the Raiders with service aces, 14-3. Jovelyn Gonzaga added 12 points, while ace setter Tina Salak accounted for 33 of the Lady Troopers’ 36 excellent sets.

Roces, meanwhile, capped her 12-point output with a match-clinching spike to lead the league’s fancied newcomer Power Attackers.

Charo Soriano also stepped up for the second straight game with eight points against her former team and UAAP champion Lady Eagles.

The Raiders and the Lady Eagles both slipped to 1-1.