Hot-starting Army, UP eye third straight wins

UP’s tough defense put up by Mae Chopitea (7) and Nicole Tiamzon during their Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference showdown.

Army and University of the Philippines aim to sustain their strong starts as they clash with separate rivals Saturday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Riding high on their five-set triumph over PLDT Home Ultera last Sunday, the Lady Troopers are heavy favorites when they battle the Navy Lady Sailors at 5 p.m.

Powered by ace setter Tina Salak, Army will pin its hopes on Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aby Maraño, Nerissa Bautista and Honey Royse Tubino against an experienced Navy team led by Lilet Mabbayad and Pau Soriano.

Winless teams Coast Guard and Kia Forte clash in the second game of a triple-header at 3 p.m., after the Lady Maroons square off with the Ultra Fast Spikers.

Just like the Lady Maroons who are 2-0, the Lady Troopers will nail at least a playoff berth for a semifinal spot with a victory today.

Their confidence soaring after back-to-back wins over Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, the surprising Lady Maroons will have their hands full against a PLDT squad seeking to bounce back from its narrow loss to Army last Sunday.