V-League: Army Lady Troopers clinch 5th win

MANILA, Philippines — Flaunting the depth of its roster, Army repulsed Philippine National Police, 25-16, 25-22, 25-22, Tuesday night for a fifth straight triumph in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers rested some of their starters after a fiery opening set performance, but pulled through just the same in 73 minutes to keep their bid for a seven-game elimination round sweep alive.

Nene Bautista came through with 16 points for the Lady Troopers who got an unlikely lift from Geinie Sabas with 12 hits.

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis combined for 14 points before cheering the Army reserves from the bench in the final set.

The Lady Patrollers briefly showed signs of life taking advantage early in the second set, before the Lady Troopers rediscovered their lethal form to finally put them away.

Earlier, PLDT Home Telpad rebounded from a lethargic effort with an impressive 25-16, 25-23, 24-26, 25-19 victory over National U.

The victory kept the Turbo Boosters at second spot with a 5-1 mark, gathering momentum as the tournament heads to the quarterfinals.

Suzanne Roces spearheaded the charge with 17 hits as she came up big against Lady Bulldogs star Jaja Santiago who had 14 points. Gretchel Soltones and Lou Ann Latigay joined forces for 25 points for the Turbo Boosters whose lone loss came last week at the hands of the Lady Troopers.

The Lady Bulldogs momentarily recovered with a strong third set, before PLDT setter Rubie de Leon got Roces going anew, combining with Soltones and Latigay on attack.

Myla Pablo and Jorelle Singh also contributed a combined 25 hits for the Lady Bulldogs who need to win one of their last two games to secure a berth in the quarters.

Despite Frances Molina’s 17 markers, the Lady Patrollers remained winless in six games with their hopes of reaching the next round already snuffed out.