Army shoots for Shakey’s V-League crown Thursday

MANILA—Philippine Army guns for the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference crown when it clashes with San Sebastian in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series at the FilOil Flying V Arena.

The Lady Troopers, who have lost only twice in 13 matches in the tournament, will carry the momentum of their emphatic Game 1 victory as they try to finish off the Lady Stags in the 4 p.m. duel.

But closing out the series is easier said than done as Army coach Rico De Guzman is bracing for a strong fightback from the Lady Stags, whose attack was silenced by a solid net defense.

“We want to close out the series, but beating San Sebastian again will not be easy,” said De Guzman.

Army cruised to a straight-sets win against a surprisingly lethargic San Sebastian squad last Sunday.

Ateneo also looks to seal third place when it faces Philippine Navy in the first game at 2 p.m.

The Lady Eagles outlasted the Lady Sailors in five sets last Sunday, behind the attacking trio of Angeline Gervacio, Alyssa Valdez and Fille Cainglet.

Rachel Anne Daquis and Mary Jean Balse scattered 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Michelle Carolino chipped in 12 hits as Army flaunted its deep attacking arsenal.

But De Guzman said defending the net will just be as important as their attack.

“If we could block well and receive well we  have a chance,” said De Guzman.

The Lady Stags will be pinning their hopes on American import Lauren Ford, the league’s Most Valuable Player, and Jeng Bualee, San Sebastian’s long-time import still in search of her first V-League title.

Bualee was held to just 13 points in Game 1, but Ford fared even worse, managing just five hits.