Pocari Sweat’s Myla Pablo. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
POCARI Sweat’s top hitters may doubtful starters again but the Lady Warriors are tipped to extend their perfect run today against a Team Iriga side vying to stay alive in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.
“We have an adequate bench to cover their absence,” team manager Eric Ty said of the Lady Warriors, who may miss the services of injured aces Michelle Gumabao and Myla Pablo for the second straight game.
“But we’ll see; it will be a game-time decision if they will play or not.”
The Lady Warriors go for a fifth straight victory versus the Lady Oragons at 4 p.m.
Just like the Lady Oragons, another provincial squad hopes to stay in the hunt for the last semifinal berth as Pocari (4-0), Bali Pure (4-1) and Philippine Air Force (4-1) have already secured the top three slots.
Team Laoag looks to stay in the mix versus winless Team Baguio at 6:30 p.m.
“This game is very crucial for us, so we really need to step up and forget about what happened in the past,” said Laoag coach Nes Pamilar.
Four teams—Laoag (2-3), National University (2-3), Iriga (1-3), University of the Philippines (1-3)—remain in the chase for the fourth spot.
In men’s action, Sta. Elena and Bounty Fresh also gun for key wins at 1 p.m. heading into the final stretch of eliminations in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference.
With Rossan Fajardo and Maricar Nepomuceno stepping up with a combined 27 points, Pocari Sweat routed Team Baguio, 25-18, 25-17, 25-15, last week as Gumabao (abdominal pain) and Pablo (back injury) sat out.
“I believe in our players,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella. “They’re all capable to fill in the role of anyone sidelined in the team.”