Army seeks piece of Shakey’s V-League lead vs Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines—Army hopes to build momentum heading into the quarterfinal round Tuesday as it tangles with struggling Ateneo in the Shakey’s V-League Season II Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers are heavily favored in the 4 p.m. duel with the Lady Eagles who couldn’t get their game going in a four-set loss to National University last Sunday.

The Lady Bulldogs try to make it two-in-a-row as they battle the Air Force Raiders in the first game at 2 p.m.

With Jaja Santiago getting plenty of help from Myla Pablo and Rizza Mandapat, the Lady Bulldogs secured their third victory of the tournament at the expense of the Lady Eagles.

It doesn’t get easier against the Raiders whose experienced roster make them a dangerous opponent even against the league leaders.

With NU and Air Force at 3-3, the game should decide the No. 4 spot and give the winner some leverage heading into the quarterfinals, where elimination-round records are carried over.

Seemingly headed for a title romp, the Lady Troopers showed signs of vulnerability last week when they absorbed a stunning setback to defending champion Cagayan Valley.

Army’s desire to erase the stigma of that loss could spell more trouble for the Lady Eagles who can’t seem to get enough support for Alyssa Valdez on attack.

Valdez had another big game last Sunday with 26 points but only Miren Gequillana wound up with a double-digit output for the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Troopers’ advantage in experience and talent is underscored by the fact that they have four former league MVPs in the lineup, including the attack-minded Jovelyn Gonzaga.

A victory by Army could forge a possible three-team tie at top spot at the end of the elimination round with Cagayan and PLDT Home Telpad, which closed out the preliminaries with a 6-1 slate.

Although the Lady Eagles have secured passage to the quarterfinal round, every game remains important in their bid to finish in the Top 4 and gain a semifinal berth.

The Lady Bulldogs will be focusing their defense on Maika Ortiz, Judy Ann Caballejo and Joy Cases in what promises to be an explosive encounter.