Air Force, Ateneo dispute last semis seat in V-League

MANILA, Philippines - Air Force and Ateneo slug it out today for the last semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference with the Airwomen going for three in a row over the Lady Eagles at The Arena in San Juan.

But in a sudden death, records are not much of a factor with Ateneo motivated not only by revenge but also by desire to keep its bid for a sweep of the season’s titles after bagging the first conference crown in the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

The Airwomen, with only a win to show in four games in the quarters, rode on Jennifer Manzano’s firepower and Aiza Maizo’s steady game to beat the Eagles in four last Tuesday, forcing a three-way tie for Nos. 3 and 4 with the Navy side.

But the Lady Sailors took the No. 3 spot with a higher quotient, relegating Air Force and Ateneo to a playoff for the last Final Four seat and the right to face topnotcher Philippine Army.

The Lady Troopers and the San Sebastian Lady Stags actually finished tied for first with 4-1 slates after the single round quarters But Army took the No. 1 spot with a higher quotient.

SSC and Navy tangle in the other best-of-three semis pairing starting Sunday.

While Fille Cainglet and Alyssa Valdez continued to carve out fine form for Ateneo, the Lady Eagles also need to neutralize the Airwomen’s attack and be consistent with their own.

Air Force dropped a total of 162 spikes, scoring 61 while Ateneo had more attempts on the net with 172, but only converted 49 of them.

Leading setter Jamenea Ferrer, with a 10.62 norm per set, must keep offense going for Ateneo, which is also tops in digs but just couldn’t translate them into precious points. Other players to watch for Ateneo are Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Marie de Jesus and Aerieal Patnongon.

With their season on the line, Maizo is expected to step up and take charge for Air Force, which also hopes to draw the same fire and determination not only from Manzano but also from the likes of Liza Deramos, Amelia Guanco, Wendy Semana, Christmarie Latigay and Irish Patrona.

The conference is backed by Accel, Mikasa and Maynilad Water.