V-League: Lady Troopers gun for fifth win

Unbeaten Army tries to sustain its dominant run when it clashes with a faltering University of the Philippines side today in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Maroons can clinch a semifinal spot with a victory but this looks almost improbable against the Lady Troopers who have won all their four games so far.

Rookies Isa Molde, Justine Dorog and Diana Carlos have made quite an impression while veterans Nicole Tiamzon and Kathy Bersola have remained at the forefront of the offensive formation of UP, which won its first two games before bowing to PLDT Home Ultera and Kia Forte.

The Lady Troopers, with a cast that includes Jovelyn Gonzaga, Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, Michelle Carolino, Honey Royse Tubino and Aby Maraño—all former tournament MVPs—are out to complete a sweep of the single-round eliminations of the season-ending conference.

The PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters, also assured of a semifinal spot, are expected to work behind former US NCAA standouts Sareea Freeman and Victoria Hurtt again when they battle Kia Forte in the other game.

PLDT has won three of its first four outings while Kia Forte needs a win to rise from 1-3 and salvage a playoff for the last semifinal slot.

In the Spikers’ Turf, Instituto Estetico Manila and Philippine Navy brace for a fierce battle for the fourth and last semifinal berth at 5 p.m.

Tied at 1-3, the Volley Masters and the Sailors both aim to seal a clash with league topnotcher Air Force.