Gonzaga shines as Army downs PNP in Shakey's V-League

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Army rode on another sterling performance by Jovelyn Gonzaga as it overpowered Phl National Police, 25-14, 25-15, 25-15, to nail its third straight victory in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City Tuesday.

Gonzaga, the pretty, long-limbed lass from Iloilo City who made a name for helping steer Central Phl U to a three-peat feat in the Neastea Beach Volley in Boracay, had another explosive effort as she fired 21 hits, 15 on spikes, five on blocks and a service ace to power the Lady Troopers to their straight win.

"We know that she really plays well on both offense and defense, it's a matter of teaching her where to hit it and where to block it," said Army coach Rico de Guzman in Filipino referring to Gonzaga.

It was another impressive effort for Gonzaga, who further widened her lead in the blocks department and should improve her stocks in the spikes and service winners categories where she was ranked fourth on both going into the game.

"I'm still new in the team but I'm happy I'm helping the team win as much as a I can," said Gonzaga.

The win thus pushed Army, which trounced Phl Air Force, 25-22, 25-13, 25-18, last Aug. 25 and Phl Navy, 25-14, 25-12, 25-13, last week, just half a game closer to league leader Cagayan Province, which has an unblemished 4-0 (win-loss) record.

The Police Women fell to their third straight setback adding a 17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 15-25, 9-15 defeat at the hands of Meralco in the league opener last Aug. 18 and a 14-25, 15-25, 17-25 loss to Smart-Maynilad five days after.

De Guzman also said she used this game, particularly her starters, Gonzaga, Mary Jean Balse, Michelle Carolino, Nerissa Bautista, Cristina Salak and Joanne Bunag, in preparation for their much-awaited showdown with Cagayan on Sunday.

"I will play my starters in this game against Cagayan," he said.