Army tries to claim Shakey’s V-League crown

A DETERMINED Army squad tries to wrap up the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference title today when it takes on Cagayan Valley in Game 2 of the finals at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers, who crushed the Lady Rising Suns in four sets last Thursday, shoot for a sweep of the series at 2:45 p.m. The game will be aired live on GMA News TV channel.

A deciding Game Three, if necessary, will be held on Sept. 7.

Air Force also hopes to clinch third place as it battles PLDT Home Telpad anew at 12:15 p.m.

But the spotlight will be on the Lady Troopers on how they’ll respond to an expected fightback from the Lady Rising Suns.

Army coach Rico de Guzman has marked today’s mission as urgent with the Lady Troopers also bracing for another tournament.

“We want to get this thing over and done with because we are also playing in the AFP Olympics, which is starting on Tuesday,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.

The Lady Troopers came away with a 25-19, 18-25, 25-18, 25-5 triumph in Game 1. The fourth set proved to be a strong statement for the Lady Troopers who are facing a Cagayan Valley team known to rise above adversity.

But de Guzman knows exactly what needs to be done for his team to prevail, putting emphasis on reception, blocking and defense.

Cagayan mentor Nes Pamilar remains optimistic the Lady Rising Suns can still turn the series around.

“There is still hope,” he said.