Army tries to keep top seed bid alive

Semifinalists Army and Smart gear up for more important battles ahead when they clash today in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The match starts at 4 p.m. with Army looking to keep its hopes of clinching top seed alive against a Smart squad determined to avenge its loss in the elimination round.

The match could be a preview of a semifinal meeting between Army and Smart, which currently hold the second and third spots.

Meralco and Philippine National Police meet at 2 p.m. in a battle of teams already out of semifinal contention.

The Power Spikers hope to come out strong after watching the semifinal door slammed shut by a quality Air Force squad last Tuesday.

Unbeaten Cagayan Valley already clinched a semifinal berth with four games to spare.

With Coco Wang and Stephanie Mercado holding fort, the Power Spikers are favored to repeat over the Lady Patrollers.

PNP will lean on Janine Marciano, Frances Molina and Patcharee Sangmuang as the Lady Patrollers try to bow out on a high note.

The Army Women hope to sharpen their attack led by Mary Jean Balse, Michelle Carolino and Nerissa Bautista. Rachel Anne Daquis has also fit in well in the Air Women’s rotation.

The Net Spikers are expected to have their hands full defending the vaunted attack of Army. But they are also expected to counter with the explosive Alyssa Valdez and Thai import Pheenook Kesinee. Cedelf P. Tupas