PLDT eyes lead vs PNP in Shakey’s V-L

MANILA, Philippines - Top meets bottom today as unbeaten PLDT Home Telpad collides with winless Philippine National Police, eyeing a fourth straight victory and the solo lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season II Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

But more than keeping their clean slate, the Turbo Boosters are out to build some momentum heading to their much-awaited face-off with fancied Army, also unbeaten in three starts, in a duel of title favorites on Thursday.

Dindin Santiago is expected to make her long-delayed debut for the league’s newcomers with the former National U hotshot joining forces with Suzanne Roces, Angela Benting, Laurence Ann Latigay, Charo Soriano, Gretchel Soltones, Ryzabelle Devanadera and former teammates Rubie de Leon and Carmina Aganon.

That makes them the solid favorites in their 2 p.m. match with the Lady Patrollers, who dropped their first three matches in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

But PNP, led by Frances Molina and Jane Maderazo, hopes to finally put it all together as it tries to revive its quarterfinal hopes in the league backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Defending champion Cagayan Valley and National U, meanwhile, collide at 4 p.m., both eager to bounce back from stinging 0-3 setbacks to PLDT Home Telpad and Army, respectively, with the winner taking solo fourth at 2-1 behind Air Force’s 3-1 mark.

The Rising Suns, who posted a league record of a 16-game sweep to capture last year’s crown, will be led anew by Aiza Maizo and Janine Marciano with coach Nes Pamilar hoping to draw the best from Angeli Tabaquero, Pau Soriano and Wenneth Eulalio and former hitter turned libero Shiela Pineda in a bid to get back on the winning track.