NU spikers target last V-League quarterfinal slot

MANILA, Philippines—National U guns for a repeat victory today when it tangles with Perpetual Help in a playoff for the last quarterfinal berth in the Shakey’s V League Season 7 second conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   The Lady Bulldogs have the psychological edge in the 2 p.m. meeting with the Lady Altas, owing to their impressive straight-set victory in the elimination-round.   San Sebastian and Adamson clash at 4 p.m. in a match considered as a preview of the finals.   The Lady Stags, holding a league-leading 6-1 card, are out to avenge their lone loss so far against the Lady Falcons, who boast one of the most experienced lineups in the league.   Led by former University of Santo Tomas standout Dindin Santiago, the Lady Bulldogs got off to a strong start in their debut tournament in the V-League winning two of their first three matches.   But they have gone on to lose their last four games, including a 14-25, 22-25, 24-26 defeat to Ateneo that relegated the Lady Bulldogs to the knockout match.   Perpetual Help showed flashes of brilliance in the elimination-round, beating Adamson and St. Benilde.   But in their only duel with the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Altas offered token resistance and fell to a 14-25, 20-25, 22-25 loss.   “We really want to make an impact in this league and we can only do that by winning,” said Perpetual coach Miguel Rafael.   San Sebastian kept a spotless record until ramming into a resolute Adamson squad, which came away with a thrilling 16-25, 26-24, 25-23,16-25, 15-10, victory two weeks ago.   The explosive duo of Jeng Bualee and Suzanne Roces will banner San Sebastian against Adamson, which will be led by Nerissa Bautista and Michelle Laborte.