SSC-Excelroof, Ateneo target top V-League slot

MANILA, Philippines—Pacesetters San Sebastian-Excelroof and Ateneo hope to wrap up their elimination stint with victories against separate opponents in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 second conference Thursday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.   The Lady Stags, the title favorites tied with the Lady Eagles at 5-1, clash with the Far Eastern U Lady Tamaraws at 2 p.m.   “We want to stay at No. 1,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb. “It’s important that we have a good ranking in case we make it to the semifinals.”   The Lady Eagles and the Adamson Lady Falcons, sharing third with the Lady Tams at 4-1, tangle in the second game at 4 p.m.   All four competing squads have earned slots in the six-team carryover quarterfinal round.   Idle Lyceum occupied the fifth spot at 4-3, while league newcomers National University and Perpetual Help, tied at 2-5, dispute the last quarterfinal berth in a playoff on Sunday.   The Lady Stags hope to draw another solid game from import Jeng Bualee, the  Thai spiker boasting a league-best 42.62 percent clip.   But aside from Bualee, who averages 22 points, Gorayeb also expects the local crew led by last conference’s MVP Suzanne Roces, Joy Benito, Melissa Mirasol and Elaine Cruz to provide firepower.   The Lady Tams expect to match up behind Rachel Daquis, Michelle Carolino, Cherry Vivas, Rose Vargas and Kathlene Magsumbol.