V-League: PLDT eyes top spot over skidding Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines—PLDT Home Telpad tries to gain the inside track in the race for the Final Four when it tangles with a struggling Ateneo side Sunday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Holding a 6-1 record, the Turbo Boosters can grab the lead over Army and Cagayan Valley with a victory in the 4 p.m. clash with the Lady Eagles, who are coming off back-to-back five-set losses.

National U and Air Force square off in the first game at 2 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs are out for revenge after the Raiders dealt them a straight-set loss last Tuesday. That victory allowed Air Force to seize the No. 4 spot which could prove critical in the race for the last semifinal spot.

Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo hope to bounce back from sub-par performances as they tangle with a veteran-laden crew led by former University of Santo Tomas stars Maika Ortiz and Judy Caballejo.

Santiago has slowly but surely held her own against the league’s top hitters even after the departure of older sister Dindin from the NU lineup.

But carrying the Lady Bulldogs to another finals appearance will be a tough task for the statuesque Santiago who will be hoping to draw support from the likes of Rissa Mandapat.

The Turbo Boosters will be looking to replicate their 25-21, 25-13, 26-24 victory over the Lady Eagles last July 7 at the start of the single round quarterfinals.

PLDT is also seeking a third straight triumph after ending the elimination round with back-to-back wins over National U and Air Force.

The Lady Eagles are hoping to end a string of heartbreaks.

A pair of five-set losses to Army and Cagayan have sent the reigning UAAP champions to the brink with a 2-5 card.

Still the Lady Eagles are expected to be a tough nut to crack with Alyssa Valdez, the league’s top scorer with a 27-hit norm in the eliminations, expected to lead the way.

Suzanne Roces and Gretchel Soltones are expected to come out strong for PLDT after a nine-day break.