San Sebastian College takes on Lyceum today, seeking a third straight win and the solo lead while Ateneo tries to bounce back from a setback as it plays Letran in the Shakey’s V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
After a straight-set win over previously unbeaten Adamson and a tough five-setter over Ateneo, the SSC tossers set out the heavy favorites against the Lady Pirates in the 5 p.m. encounter with Thai import Jaroensri Bualee again tipped to spearhead the team’s bid.
Bualee fired away 29 kills in upstaging compatriot Lithawat Kesinee and the Ateneo Lady Eagles in their thrilling encounter last Tuesday, lifting SSC to an 18-25, 25-23, 29-27, 20-25, 15-7 victory, their second straight in the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.
Against Lyceum, SSC is fancied to roll over a rival with no win to show in two games although the Lady Pirates, third placers in the first conference, will surely be going flat out to snap their skid and stop the Recoletos-based spikers.
Guest player Estrelita Enriquez hopes to inspire and draw the best from Beverly Boto, Dahlia Cruz, Sherrilyn Carillo, Kathleen Jarin and Raquel Ancheta as they try to stay alive in the semifinal race of the event organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa, Accel, 100Plus Isotonic Drink and Active White Skin whitening products.
Like SSC, Ateneo is fancied to stamp its class over Letran, also winless in two starts, in their 3 p.m. duel with Kesinee expected to power the talent-laden squad, which includes Ma. Rosario Soriano, Karen Bello, Patricia Taganas, Denise Acevedo and Bea Pascual.
Letran, which finished third in the second conference of the inaugural season in 2004, will be led by guest player Johanna Carpio and local mainstays Bangladesh Pantaleon, Marie Burce, Anne Villarin, Rossan Fajardo and Gena Andaya.
Meanwhile, due to NBN-4’s previous commitment, there’ll be no Shakey’s V-League telecast on Sunday but today’s matches between Ateneo and Letran and SSC and Lyceum will be aired tomorrow starting at 1 p.m.
For updates on the country’s premier volley league, features/forum on its top players, complete sked, stats, results and gallery, log on to www.v-league.ph.