Lady Eagles try again vs Rising Suns

ATENEO hopes to nail the last semifinal berth on its third try while Philippine Navy tries to keep its own qualifying bid alive today in separate games on the final day of elimination in the Shakey’s V-League Open at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Lady Eagles, who blew a chance to complete the Final Four cast twice, aim to get it right this time against the Cagayan Rising Suns at 6 tonight.

Navy, though, intends to forge a playoff when the Lady Sailors tackle powerhouse Sandugo-San Sebastian at 2 p.m.

Philippine Army, the defending champion who spoiled Ateneo’s latest bid Sunday, tangles with Far Eastern University at 4 p.m.

The Lady Eagles (3-6) can earn outright passage to the semifinals with a Navy loss.

But an Ateneo loss coupled with a Navy win will send both squads into a playoff.

Sandugo (8-1), Army (7-2) and Cagayan (6-3) already secured the first three slots.

Although Ateneo was foiled twice by four-set losses to Navy and Army, the situation favors the Lady Eagles as Navy faces a Sandugo squad determined to keep the solo lead.

On Sunday night, Sandugo blasted Cagayan in straight sets, 25-14, 25-19, 25-22.

Thai star Jeng Bualee paced the Lady Stags anew with 16 kills in an 18-point outing.