PLDT, Army try to forge S-Liga finals clash today

PLDT-MyDSL and TMS-Philippine Army try to arrange a title showdown when they take on separate semifinal opponents today in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) Volleyball Grand Prix at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The unbeaten Speed Boosters go for another quick victory at 4 p.m. against the Cignal HD Spikers, the last Final Four qualifier.

The Lady Troopers, who are gunning for back-to-back crowns, battle a Cagayan Valley side expecting its Thai import back in full health in the 2 p.m. duel.

PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb remains confident his crew, led by Americans Kaylee Manns and Savannah Noyes and local stars Suzanne Roces, Maru Banaticla, Lou Ann Latigay, Angela Benting and Charo Soriano, will deliver.

“We feel that we can match up well with their (HD Spikers) attacks and defensive intensity,” said Gorayeb.

The HD Spikers advanced to the Final Four after downing Petron, 19-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-22, in the quarterfinals last Wednesday.

Cebu ace Danika Gendrauli provided a huge lift for the HD Spikers with 17 points while Chinese reinforcement Xie Lei added 15.

The Lady Rising Suns hope to pull off an upset behind Thais Wanida Kotruang and Patcharee Saengmuang along with locals Angelique Tabaquero and Aiza Maizo-Fontillas.

Cagayan coach Nestor Pamilar expects Kot-ruang to be back in top shape after the Thai played limited minutes due to muscle spasms in the four-set win over RC Cola.

“We wanted to make sure that she will be in her deadly form in the semis,” said Pamilar.