The PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters face one of the teams that gave them a tough time during their perfect elimination run in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference.
Seeking an eighth straight triumph, the Ultra Fast Hitters clash with Cagayan Valley at the start of the round-robin semifinals at 2 p.m. Thursday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Philippine Army and Meralco collide in the other Final Four duel at 12 noon.
Although heavily favored, the Ultra Fast Hitters still remember how the Lady Rising Suns gave them anxious moments in their four-set win, 25-20, 25-22, 26-28, 25-18, in the eliminations.
PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb also noted that their 7-0 streak now bears no weight.
“There’s no advantage even if we’re entering the semis [unbeaten],” said Gorayeb. “We won’t carry over the record. It’s back to zero.”
The top two teams at the end of the round will advance to the best-of-three championship series starting on May 21.
Led by national team star and league top scorer Alyssa Valdez, the towering Jaja Santiago and Gretchel Soltones, the Ultra Fast Hitters vie to be more consistent versus Cagayan.
And the Lady Rising Suns, bannered by former MVP Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, know they also need to stay aggressive to pull off an upset.
Veterans Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga likewise aim to lead the Army girls to a repeat win over Meralco, 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22, while the Power Spikers of Abigail Maraño hope to stay on a roll after nailing the last semifinal slot with back-to-back victories.
Meanwhile, the semifinal round of Spikers’ Turf Season 1 will get going on May 24 right after the national team’s participation in the Asian Seniors in Myanmar.