SANDUGO-San Sebastian and Philippine Army brace for a tougher campaign when the second half of the Shakey’s V-League Open eliminations starts today Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The unbeaten Lady Stags shoot for a sixth straight triumph against Ateneo at 6 p.m. while the defending champion Lady Troopers gun for a fifth win versus Philippine Navy at 4.
“We have a long way to go, but I’m still thankful that we were able to sweep the first round,” said Sandugo coach Roger Gorayeb.
Cagayan Valley, the newcomer giving the rest of the field a tough fight, takes on winless Far Eastern U at 2 p.m.
Living up to their billing as title favorites, the Lady Stags stayed unbeaten even with former MVP Nene Bautista sidelined for two games due to a sore knee.
Angela Benting, along with several other players, have been stepping up to backstop Sandugo stars Suzanne Roces, Jeng Bualee and Utaiwan Kaensing.
The Lady Troopers, running second with a 4-1 record, hope to sustain their momentum behind Rachel Daquis and Michelle Carolino.
“We’ve been practicing really hard,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman. “We’re expecting tougher games in this round.”