Tigresses battle Lady Stags

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas braces for a San Sebastian crew that’s expecting the return of its ace spiker in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Tigresses hope to boost their quarterfinal bid versus the Lady Stags, who expect Gretchel Soltones to be in her old explosive form when she rejoins them in their Group B action at 6 p.m.

Far Eastern University, tied with the Lady Stags at 1-2, tackles winless Perpetual Help in the first match at 4 p.m.

The Tigresses expect another big game from rookie Ennajie Laure, who has been a revelation by averaging 20 hits in her first two outings.

But the Lady Stags hope to neutralize, or at the very least, match Laure’s firepower with Soltones seeing action after sitting out for two games due to injury.

Another victory will give the Tigresses at least a one-game cushion from the rest of the Group B teams where only unbeaten National University (4-0) has clinched a quarterfinal berth.

In Group A, Arellano (4-1) and Adamson (3-1) already secured half of the quarterfinals seats up for grabs.

UST coach Odjie Mamon said the team should not pin its fortunes heavily on Laure as the Tigresses also need big games from veterans Pam Lastimosa, Jessey de Leon, Carmela Tunay and guest player Rhea Dimaculangan.

Coach Roger Gorayeb wants his Lady Stags to regain their winning form with guest players Maruja Banaticla and Ryzabelle Devanadera stepping up along with Czarina Berbano, Bea Uy and Jolina Labiano.

Perpetual Help, meanwhile, tries to snap out of a winless run just months after bagging the NCAA women’s volleyball crown.

The Lady Altas, who seemed to have been shaken after getting drubbed by the Lady Bulldogs in the opener, hope to recover with Norie Diaz and Abigael Praca at the helm.