ARMY seeks a glorious end to a banner season as it battles a Cagayan Valley team seeking revenge in the women’s division championship series of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference starting today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Following their Open Conference conquest and a sweep of the elimination round, the Lady Troopers are heavy picks in the 4 p.m. duel with the Lady Rising Suns.
But Cagayan Valley is determined to turn its fortunes around and end the string of heartbreaks it suffered against Army, which swept the Lady Rising Suns in the Open Conference finals.
Top seed Instituto Estetico Manila and Systema Tooth and Gum Care also start their series for the first men’s division crown earlier at 2 p.m.
The Volley Masters topped the elimination round with a 5-1 record, highlighted by a sweep of the Active Smashers.
But IEM coach Ernesto Balubar stressed the need to toughen up on their reception and net defense as they prepare for a big Systema comeback in Game 1 of their best-of-three title series.
“It’s a question of handling the pressure and the ability to receive well and defend the net,” said Balubar.
IEM blew a 2-1 set lead but regrouped to edge Systema in the inaugural game last Oct. 5 then wrapped up a four-setter, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, in their next meeting.
The Lady Troopers have not lost in six games in the tournament as they strengthened their lineup by recruiting Dindin Santiago and Carmina Aganon. But the former National U stalwarts are doubtful starters as they currently have a contract with another team.
Still, Army has plenty of firepower with former MVPs Jovelyn Gonzaga, Nerissa Bautista, MJ Balse and Rachel Ann Daquis leading the charge.
But Cagayan Valley coach Nes Pamilar expressed confidence his team can hurdle the Lady Troopers.
“This will be a defensive battle,” said Pamilar. “But we need to spread our attack so that their defense won’t be focused on our imports alone.”
Thai reinforcements Saengmuang Patcharee and Hyapha Amporn have been good as hyped with strong performances in the second half of the elimination round.
“The odds are just about even in this series,” said Pamilar.
Cagayan actually emerged as the league’s top spiking team with 34.33 percent success from 309 spikes out of 900 attempts, just ahead of Army, which had more smashes (350) and more tries (1,035) for a 33.82 clip.