PLDT spikers eye Shakey’s V-L crown

MANILA, Philippines - With Dindin Santiago at the forefront plus a slew of ace power-hitters and veteran setters, PLDT Home Telpad seeks no less than a crack at the championship when the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference kicks off Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Santiago parts ways with younger sister Jaja from the National University squad to spearhead the PLDT Home Telpad squad’s title drive in its first foray in the country’s premier women’s volley league. And the talented spiker will have a solid backing from the likes of former league MVP Suzanne Roces, former Ateneo standout Charo Soriano, San Sebastian’s star Gretchel Soltones, Laurence Ann Latigay and Angela Benting.

With coach Roger Gorayeb tapping two of the league’s best playmakers Rubie de Leon and Jem Ferrer and enlisting the likes of Ryzabelle Devanedara, Carmina Aganon, Lizlee Pantone, Royce Estampa and Alyssa Eroa, PLDT Home Telpad looms as the team to beat in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s where it all started.

But the powerhouse PLDT Home Telpad squad will not be able to strut its stuff until next Sunday when it opens its campaign against Air Force, composed of an equally talented roster, headed by another former league MVP Sandra delos Santos, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jill Gustilo, Iari Yongco, Wendy Semana, Maika Ortiz, Judy Ann Caballejo and Joy Cases.

Still, focus will be on Cagayan Valley, which posted a league record 16-game sweep of last year’s crown, including a pair of 3-2 victories over Smart Maynilad in the finals.

But with the seven other teams beefing up their respective rosters with aces, the Rising Suns will be hard-pressed to at least make it to the finals of this year’s tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Even Cagayan Valley has toughened up with coach Nes Pamilar acquiring former Adamson mainstay Faye Guevara and Gemelyn Seguirre from the Gonzaga National High in Cagayan along with Janine Marciano, formerly of Philippine National Police, and former FEU stalwart Chie Saet and former Adamson standout Pau Soriano.

Meanwhile, National U and University of the Philippines kick off hostilities at 2 p.m. on Sunday with Ateneo clashing with Philippine National Police in the other contest at 4 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs will be led by Jaja Santiago, Ivy Perez, Rizza Mandapat, Myla Pablo, Desiree Dadang, Roma Doromal and Fatima General while the Lady Maroons hope to make an impact on a team built around Alyssa Layug, Yen Ilustre, Angeli Araneta, Arylle Magtalas and Monica Ortz.