Top teams strut wares in Shakey’s V-L tiffs

Games tomorrow

2 p.m. – Air Force vs Army

4 p.m. – Ateneo vs PLDT Home Telpad

MANILA, Philippines - Volleyball fans get a big treat tomorrow with two explosive matches, featuring four title contenders, lined up in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

Air Force and Army slug it for the solo lead in the 2 p.m. opener while Ateneo and PLDT Home Telpad duel at 4 p.m. with the winners earning a share of the lead in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

But more than the place at helm, the four teams brace for what could be an early test of each other’s strength based on their respective power-packed rosters.

The Lady Troopers, winners here in Season 8, will have Rachel Ann Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga as spearheads along with former league MVPs Mary Jane Balse and Nene Bautista, Christine Agno, Jacqueline Alarca, Ginie Sabas and ace setter Tina Salak.

But Air Force boasts of an equally talented crew, led by Judy Ann Caballejo, Maika Ortiz, Iari Yongco, Jill Gustilo, Jocie Tapic and playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan.

Both teams swept their opening game matches with Army dominating UP, 25-18, 25-13, 25-17, and Air Force downing PNP, 25-22, 25-23, 25-8.

The Ateneo-PLDT Home Telpad duel also promises to be a big match with the Lady Eagles seeking a follow-up to their 25-15, 25-12, 25-21 romp over PNP and the Power Attackers hoping to improve after toppling UP, 25-15, 25-21, 25-21, with a depleted roster.

Dindin Santiago, who failed to suit up the first time out, is expected to finally see action for PLDT Home Telpad, which drew 16 hits from San Sebastian’s Gretchel Soltones, and 15 points from former MVP Suzanne Roces.

Charo Soriano, a former Ateneo stalwart and coach, also delivered 10 markers for the newest team in the league, where it all started, including six service aces.

But the Lady Eagles, the reigning UAAP champions, are expected to make things tough for Soriano and their former coach Roger Gorayeb, as they try to make it two-in-row behind the crisp-hitting Alyssa Valdez, Michelle Morente, Amy Ahomiro, Miren Gequillana, Bea de Leon, Dennise Lazaro and top setter Julia Morado, who produced an impressive 73-set performance against PNP with just one fault in the early going of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Accel.