Army spanks NU, gains lead

Finding its groove early, Army made light work of National U, 25-19, 25-22, 25-22, yesterday to gain a share of the lead, even as Air Force survived a marathon five-setter against upset-conscious Ateneo in the Shakey’s V-League Season II Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers relied on the quartet of Nene Bautista, Rachel Ann Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mary Jean Balse who got their attacking rhythm early as they claimed their third straight victory to tie PLDT at the top.

Later, Air Force spoiled the 32-point performance of Alyssa Valdez as they slipped past the Lady Eagles, 22-25, 25-13, 25-13, 23-25, 17-15, in two hours and three minutes.

Maika Ortiz and Joy Cases combined for 32 hits, even as former University of Santo Tomas standout Judy Ann Caballejo wound up with 12 points for the Air Spikers, who solidified their hold of third spot with a 3-1 record.

The Lady Eagles turned to Valdez on both ends, before ultimately falling short in the marathon duel. The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player delivered 26 kills and had four points off blocks, but only Michelle Morente breached double figures with 14 points for the Lady Eagles, who fell to 1-2.

Bautista fired 15 hits, Daquis unloaded 12 points and Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mary Jane Balse tallied 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Lady Troopers, who ruled Season 8, warmed up for their keenly-awaited duel with co-leaders PLDT next week.

It was another dominant performance by coach Rico De Guzman’s wards, who held a 42-30 edge on attack points.

Jaja Santiago carried the fight for the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, but she got little help with Myla Pablo unable to find her way against a resolute Army net defense in the 74-minute win. It was NU’s first loss of the tournament.

After scoring 14 against University of the Philippines, Pablo was stifled, held to just eight points. It didn’t help the Lady Bulldogs that the likes of Desiree Dadang, Jorelle Singh, Marites Pablo, Rizza Mandapat and Ivy Perez combined for just 16 points.

While Bautista and Gonzaga took care of business attacking at the net, Balse did a sterling job defensively, coming away with three blocks, while Daquis delivered three service aces.