Boosters try to stay in hunt vs Troopers

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Home Telpad goes all-out against finalist Army today, hoping to spring a surprise and keep its slim finals hopes alive in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Turbo Boosters dragged the Lady Troopers into a four-setter in their first-round face-off last Oct. 16, winning the marathon first set before yielding to the Open Conference champions’ power and experience, 31-29, 19-25, 16-25, 18-25.

But with its back against the wall, PLDT Home Telpad (2-3) is expected to outdo itself while hoping for the Lady Troopers to hold their proverbial guns in preparation for their title run this weekend in the season-ending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Army clinched the first finals berth as early as last week with a sweep of its first five games while Cagayan Valley has the inside track to the other finals seat with a 3-2 slate.

PLDT is trying to force a playoff for the other championship slot with Cagayan, which, however, is fancied to get past winless Meralco in the finals elims playdate on Thursday.

Still, the Turbo Boosters set out for the win in their 6 p.m. clash with the Troopers with coach Roger Gorayeb hoping to squeeze out the best from Gretchel Soltones, Sue Roces, Angela Benting, Charo Soriano, Ryzabelle Devanadera, Laurence Ann Latigay and Rubie de Leon.

Systema, meanwhile, primes up for its title clash with Instituto Estetico Manila for the first-ever men’s crown as it takes on ousted Rizal Technological U in the 4 p.m. game.

IEM took the first finals slot with a 4-1 card while also-ran Far Eastern U gave Systema (3-1) a free ride to the finals by edging RTU in five sets last Sunday. The loss booted out the Thunder from the finals race with a 1-4 card.