Import-spiced Shakey’s V-League on tomorrow

IT’S A tournament that’s too close to call and with a field littered with quality teams, the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference could go down as one of the most exciting yet since the league started.

The import-spiced conference gets going tomorrow with a double-header featuring IEM against Systema in the men’s division and favorite Army versus Meralco in the women’s category.

With the compact field, there’s little room for error and for Army coach Rico de Guzman, the format could pave the way for more thrilling matches.

“In a short tournament, every game counts, so expect a down-to-the-wire finish in all matches,” said de Guzman, who steered the Lady Troopers to the title in the Open Conference last month.

Only Army did not tap a foreign reinforcement, opting to play with their still formidable all-Filipino line-up which includes Dindin Santiago and Carmina Aganon of National U.

Jovelyn Gonzaga, Rachel Ann Daquis, Nerissa Bautista and Mary Jean Balce form the core of the Lady Troopers.

Cagayan Valley, Meralco and PLDT Home Telpad have all tapped Thai and Japanese reinforcements.

The Meralco Power Spikers has former La Salle star Aby Maraño, Thai Wanida Kotruang and Japanese Misao Tanyama in the squad that also includes Stephanie Mercado, skipper Maureen Penetrante-Ouano and Maica Morada.

Out to regain their lofty position, the Lady Rising Suns will lean on veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Joy Benito, former Adamson stars Shiela Pineda and Pau Soriano and Thais Patcharee Saengmuang and Amporn Hyapha.

PLDT Home Telpad will be led by former MVP Suzanne Roces while PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb is expected to parade a Thai in time for the Turbo Boosters’ debut on Oct. 9.  Cedelf P. Tupas