PLDT enters V-League semis; Ateneo, Cagayan eye berths

MANILA, Philippines – PLDT Home Telpad pounded Cagayan Valley up front and hammered out a 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 victory to join Phl Army in the Final Four of the Shakey's V-League Season 11 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City Thursday.

Suzanne Roces went on a spiking spree as she led all scorers with 21 hits, including 18 on kills, in powering the Turbo Boosters to their eighth win against three defeats, enough to catapult them to the semifinals alongside the Lady Troopers.

Laurence Ann Latigay and Gretchel Soltones provided the ample backup and scattered 12 and 10, respectively.

"We were aggressive not just on our attack but also on our defense up front," said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb in Filipino.

The Rising Suns, who were led by Aiza Maizo's 15 hits, fell to their fifth defeat against six triumphs.

In the second match, Ateneo continued its giant-slaying ways as it downed National U, 26-28,l 25-19, 16-25, 25-16, 15-7, to complete a five-game sweep of the quarterfinals and clinch at least a playoff for one of the last two Final Four berths.

Alyssa Valdez unleashed her attack might once again as she led all hitters with 32 points – 9 on kills, seven on service aces and six on blocks – to seal the Lady Eagles’ fifth win in row and seventh overall against five defeats.

Cagayan (6-5) will have a chance to force a three-way tie with Ateneo and Air Force (7-4) if the Rising Suns could beat the Air Spikers on Sunday's final quarters match at The Arena in San Juan.

If Cagayan wins by three or four sets, it will advance to the semis while Ateneo and Air Force battle it out for the last spot.

If Cagayan wins it in five, it will be Ateneo automatically advancing and the former and Air Force facing off in a knockout showdown for the last berth.