Army asserted its mastery of Cagayan Valley with a pulsating 17-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 15-13 victory Tuesday night for its second straight win in the premier women’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
New recruit Dindin Santiago notched 25 hits while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Mary Jean Balse also dished out solid games for the Lady Troopers, who improved to 2-0.
Facing the same team that they beat for the Open Conference title, the Lady Troopers rediscovered their sharp form in the last two sets.
The defeat was tough to swallow for the Lady Rising Suns who were forced to play all-Filipino after Thai imports Ampron Hyapha and Patcharee Saengmuan were barred from playing due to the lack of International Transfer Certificates from the Thailand-based FIVB.
“We’re just surprised that in the 11 years that we’ve been playing here, it’s the first time that this has happened,” said Pamilar.
Meanwhile, Meralco and Far Eastern U seek to bounce back today against PLDT and Rizal Technological U, respectively.
The Power Spikers hope to bounce back from a 19-25, 18-25, 18-25 loss to the Lady Troopers.
Wanida Kotruang, Meralco’s Thai import, is also hoping to get a start as soon as she secures an ITC.