Sandugo stakes perfect V-L card

SANDUGO-San Sebastian puts its perfect run on the line against defending champion Army in the Shakey’s V-League Open tonight at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Still unbeaten in six games, Sandugo takes on an Army side focused on avenging its first-round loss in the 6 p.m. showdown.

“We really prepared for Sandugo in the second round,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman. “We have to win by four sets to get the No. 1 spot.”

Cagayan Valley, running third (4-2) behind Army (5-1), battles Philippine Navy at 2 p.m., while Ateneo tackles the winless Far Eastern University at 4 o’clock.

On Friday night, the Lady Stags rose from a set down to turn back the Lady Eagles, 20-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-23, behind Thai imports Utaiwan Kaensing and Jeng Bualee.

The Thais, who combined for 26 points against the Lady Eagles, also starred in the Lady Stags’ thrilling five-set escape, 25-16, 17-25, 17-25, 25-18, 15-10, over the Lady Troopers in the first round.

“I think our cohesion is improving,” said Sandugo coach Roger Gorayeb.

The Lady Troopers, though, hope to duplicate their remarkable composure against the Lady Sailors last Friday, where they staged a huge third-set comeback for a 25-20, 25-11, 25-23 triumph.

“We have to work on the communication between our setter and other players,” said De Guzman.