Shakey’s V-league reinforced conference: Lady Troopers eye No 2 vs Suns

MANILA, Philippines -  Army hopes to re-assert its mastery over Cagayan Valley as the Lady Troopers gun for a second straight victory in women’s play even as former UAAP champion Far Eastern U debuts in the men’s side of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Lady Troopers kicked off their bid for back-to-back crowns with an emphatic 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 romp over the Meralco Power Spikers late Sunday, the momentum of which they hope to bring against the Rising Suns in the 6 p.m. main dish.

Army swept Cagayan in each game to sweep their best-of-three series in the Open Conference finals last August with the Lady Troopers raring to keep their domination of the Lady Rising Suns backed by a pair of Thai aces in the league sponsored by Shakey’s and supported by Mikasa and Accel.

But with Dindin Santiago and Carmina Aganon in the fold, the Lady Troopers are more than ready to face off with Patcharee Saengmuang and Amporn Hyapha and a host of talented local players headed by former MVP Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Janine Marciano, Rosemarie Vargas, Paul Soriano and Ma. Angeli Tabaquero.

“We are okay and happy with our original roster, we just added some scoring threats in Dindin and Mina,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman referring to the 6-2 Santiago and the equally power-hitting Aganon.

Santiago, the former National U ace spiker, debuted for Army with a 10-hit performance, complementing well with the team’s established stars like Jovelyn Gonzaga, Rachel Ann Daquis, Mary Jean Balse and Nerissa Bautista.

But the star-studded Lady Troopers, who opted to go all-Filipino against the three other teams reinforced by foreign aces, will be in for a big surprise against the Lady Rising Suns, who are raring not only to get back at their tormentor but also launch their title drive on a winning note in a short tournament where every game counts.

“We’re confident of our chances this conference,” said Cagayan coach Nestor Pamilar. 

The 4 p.m. clash between FEU and Systema also promises to be an interesting duel with the Tamaraws also out to stamp their mark against the Active Smashers who wavered and dropped a five-setter to the Instituto Estetico Manila Volley Masters last Sunday.