PLDT, Army eye Shakey’s V-League Finals berth

PLDT Home Ultera tries to boost its title hopes when it collides with  Philippine Army in the semifinal round of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Both impressive winners  at the start of the single-round Final Four, PLDT and Army clash at 12:45 p.m. with the Ultra Fast Hitters slightly favored mainly due to their eight-game win streak.

Cagayan Valley and Meralco try to stay in the semifinal hunt in the other duel at 2:45 p.m.

The top two teams at the end of the round will advance to the best-of-three championship series starting on May 21.

Back to form
The Ultra Fast Hitters expect star Alyssa Valdez to get back to her fiery form after posting just eight points in their 25-22, 25-14, 25-23 thumping of the Lady Rising Suns last Thursday.

Despite the sub-par numbers of the leading MVP contender, the Ultra Fast Hitters came through as Jaja Santiago, Gretchen Soltones, Suzanne Roces and Rubie de Leon picked up the slack to wrap up the match in straight sets.

On the other hand, the Lady Troopers survived a big challenge from Meralco in their semifinal match as Jovelyn Gonzaga, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Rachel Anne Daquis towed the squad to a five-set victory, 25-21, 21-25, 19-25, 25-20, 15-9.

“The good thing about this team is that any player, if called upon, is ready to play and contribute,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.

De Guzman hopes the Lady Troopers can show the same tenacity against the Ultra Fast Hitters, who beat them in straight sets,  25-16, 25-23, 28-26, in the elimination round.

Both games will be shown on live streaming at www.v-league.ph.