Lady Troopers gain Shakey’s V-L semis

Photo taken from Shakey’s V-League Facebook account

Army put away Navy with its power game and superb blocking, 25-14, 25-17, 25-14, to clinch the first semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena late Saturday.

The Lady Troopers showcased their all-around game to dominate their rivals and complete a 66-minute romp that secured their place in the Final Four.

Honey Royse Tubino and Jovelyn Gonzaga combined for 33 hits, including 23 kills, as the Lady Troopers produced 38 attack points, 14 more than the Lady Sailors.

Gonzaga also foiled three of Navy’s attacks as they came through with eight blocks against their rivals’ one.

Army, runner-up to absentee Cagayan Valley here last year, also pummeled Navy’s token reception and came away with eight aces.

The lopsided win was the third straight for Army, lining itself for a possible sweep with victories over struggling Coast Guard on Nov. 8 and against contender University of the Philippines on Nov. 11.

The loss dropped Navy to solo fourth at 2-2, allowing Coast Guard (1-3) and even Kia Forte (0-3) to stay in the semifinal race.

Pau Soriano struggled for nine hits while Lilet Mabbayad groped for five points for Navy.