San Sebastian, Adamson spikers try to firm up bids

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Adamson and San Sebastian try to stay within striking distance of pacesetting University of Santo Tomas as they go for their third win in four games against St. Benilde and Ateneo-OraCare, respectively, in the sixth Shakey’s V-League at The Arena in San Juan City today.

But while the Lady Falcons are fancied to prevail over the St. Benilde Blazers in their 2 p.m. encounter owing to their talent-laden roster, the Lady Stags face a tougher opponent in the Lady Eagles, who hope to come out strong from a nine-day break in their 6 p.m. clash.

Adamson and SSC share third place behind UST (3-0) and Far Eastern U (2-0) with 2-1 cards with both teams out to add another victory to firm up their quarterfinal bids in the short, single round-robin elims phase of the league backed by Accel, Mikasa and OraCare. For details, log on to www.v-league.ph.

Only the top four teams will advance to the next-round where they will be joined by top provincial squads St. La Salle-Bacolod and University of San Jose-Recoletos.

From the looks of things, UST, three-time winner in the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision, is a cinch to clinch one of the quarterfinal slots with FEU hoping to sustain its fine start and Adamson, SSC and Ateneo tipped to dispute the last two.

St. Benilde is also raring to show its worth as it fights for a seat in the next round with a 1-1 card while UP and Lyceum are eyeing a sweep of their last games to stay in the hunt.

The Lady Maroons (0-3) and the Lady Pirates (0-4) tangle at 4 p.m.

Adamson will again suit up without reigning MVP Nerissa Bautista but the Lady Falcons remain a formidable unit with Angela Benting, Rissa Jane Laguilles, Janet Serafica and Paulina Soriano and new reinforcement Lilet Mabayyad.

Despite its win over Lyceum last Sunday, San Sebastian is far from its top form and the Lady Stags will have to dish out their best this time against a team chasing its second straight win in three games.

Spicing up the SSC-Ateneo clash is the faceoff of Thai imports Bualee Jaroensri of the Lady Stags and Sontaya Keawbundit of the Eagles, who subdued the Lady Pirates in four sets last April 21.

Aside from Bualee and guest player Suzanne Roces, the Lady Stags are pinning their hopes on Laurence Ann Latigay, Rysabelle Devandera, Joy Benito and Charisse Ancheta while Rosario Soriano, Fille Cainglet, Kara Acevedo, Gretchen Ho, Misha Quimpo and Angeline Gervacio are tipped to provide support to Keawbundit.