PLDT out to preserve clean card vs Meralco

PLDT Home Ultera looks to march into the Finals with a pristine record as Philippine Army and Cagayan Valley also fight for a championship berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Fresh off surviving their toughest test yet last Sunday, the Ultra Fast Hitters vow to show the same tenacity against Meralco at 4 p.m. in a bid to carry a perfect 10-0 card to the championship round.

“All the teams in the semifinals are tough,” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb after the Ultra Fast Hitters outlasted Philippine Army in a five-set thriller.

But the Lady Troopers try to rebound from that heartbreak as they dispute the other title slot versus the Lady Rising Suns at 2 p.m.

“We need consistency from start to finish,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.“Cagayan is also a veteran team, so it’s about who plays with a stronger heart.”

Both the Lady Troopers and the Lady Rising Suns tote a 1-1 card in the single-round semifinals.

Even with PLDT star Alyssa Valdez battling colds, the Ultra Fast Hitters rallied to a 25-21, 24-26, 20-26, 26-24, 15-12 victory over the Lady Troopers.

And the Lady Rising Suns know that heartbreak may just be added motivation for the Lady Troopers, who have a slew of tested players in Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Mary Jean Balse, Nene Bautista and ace setter Tina Salak.

“It will be a question of desire and heart,” said Cagayan coach Nes Pamilar. “But we have to neutralize Army’s edge in bench depth with our defense.”

Former MVP Aiza Maizo-Pontillas leads the Lady Rising Suns along with Rosemarie Vargas, Janine Marciano and Pau Soriano.

Games will be aired via live streaming at www.v-league.ph.