V-League: Sandugo-SSC tests Cagayan

PHILIPPINE Army tries to stay on top even as Sandugo-San Sebastian and Cagayan clash in a match between opening-day winners of the Shakey’s V-League Open today at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Defending champion Army guns for a second straight victory against Far Eastern University at 6 p.m., while Sandugo-SSC and Cagayan shoot for the same goal at 2 p.m.

Ateneo and Philippine Navy aim for a first victory in their 4 p.m. duel.

Army coach Rico de Guzman said even if his Lady Troopers cruised to a 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 triumph over the Lady Sailors last Sunday, his wards still need to work on their cohesion.

League star Rachel Ann Daquis and Michelle Carolino will lead the Lady Troopers, who remain favored over the FEU squad headed by spiker Iris Patrona.

Sandugo-SSC and Cagayan expect a tight outing as both squads boast Thai reinforcements.

The Lady Stags—who downed first conference champion Ateneo, 27-25, 25-19, 25-20, on Sunday night—tapped Jeng Bualee and Utaiwan Kaensing to beef up their roster.

Bualee fired 16 hits while former MVP Suzanne Roces tossed in 13 points for the Lady Stags, who drew solid outings from Nene Bautista, Angela Benting and Rubie de Leon.

The Rising Suns will parade Thais Kunbang Pornpimol and Sutadta Chuewulim, who backed up Sandra delos Santos in their 25-20, 25-12, 25-21 drubbing of the Lady Tamaraws. Jasmine W. Payo