Jet Spikers eye Shakey’s V-League lead vs Lady Maroons

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

PHILIPPINE Air Force tries to stay unpredictable as the Jet Spikers go for a share of the top spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Monday.

Boasting a cast of reliables in their back-to-back wins, the Jet Spikers hope to stay unbeaten versus the young University of the Philippines squad at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“We need to receive and defend better for us to sustain our good start,” said Air Force coach Jasper Jimenez, who had different players stepping up in their previous encounters.

Another victory will put the Jet Spikers at 3-0 together with idle powerhouse Pocari Sweat.

National University, tied for third at 1-1, looks to recover from its first loss against a still depleted Bali Pure side at 6:30 p.m.

The Water Defenders, who got pummelled by the Jet Spikers in their first game, still have to do without star hitters Alyssa Valdez and Gretchel Soltones.

Valdez and Soltones, the reigning Most Valuable Players in their respective collegiate leagues, had prior commitments in Europe.

The Jet Spikers are aiming to follow up on their straight-set triumph over Team Baguio, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18, where veterans Joy Cases and Judy Ann Caballejo starred.

Last week, the Jet Spikers had 6-foot-3 rookie Dell Palomata powering them to a 25-23, 14-25, 25-19, 25-16 clipping of the Water Defenders.

Palomata, a recruit from University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, debuted impressively with 16 points.

But the Lady Maroons also intend to pull off a surprise with their young set, led by UAAP Rookie of the Year Isa Molde, Justine Dorog and Diane Carlos.

UP coach Jerry Yee expects to see improvement from his wards after their jittery debut that allowed Pocari to hack out an easy 25-18, 25-14, 25-22 sweep.