Pocari Sweat, Air Force try to keep top spots

Games Saturday

(The Arena, San Juan)

1 p.m. – Air Force vs Bounty Fresh

4 p.m. – Baguio vs Pocari Sweat

6:30 p.m. – Laoag vs Air Force

MANILA, Philippines – Pocari Sweat and Air Force seek to stay on top as the two tackle Baguio and Laoag, respectively, on Saturday in the Shakey's V-League Season 13-Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Both unscathed after three straight wins, the Lady Warriors, who routed Laoag, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, last week, face off with the Summer Spikers at 4 p.m. while the Lady Jet Spikers, who downed the State U Lady Maroons, 27-25, 25-19, 25-17, Monday, collide with the Power Smashers at 6:30 p.m.

Michele Gumabao has been leading the way her team with averages of 18 hits a match while Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag have been dishing out equally solid numbers with norms of 14 points an outing, forming Pocari most vaunted three-woman attack line.

"If we can sustain our aggressiveness in our attack, we'll have a chance to succeed," said Rommel Abella, who will coach Pocari the rest of the conference since head coach Tai Bundit is joining the squad late July.

While Pocari is the best attacking team, Air Force has been thriving in defense being the leader in the blocking, receiving and digging departments thanks a seasoned, defense-minded cast headed by libero Mary Ann Balmaceda, Wendy Ann Semana, May Ann Pantino, Judy Ann Caballejo, Joy Cases and Jocemar Tapic.

"There is still room for improvement but our reception and blocking are giving us a big lift so far," said Air Force mentor Jasper Jimenez.

Air Force will be playing a Nes Pamilar-coached Laoag side seeking to improve on a 1-2 (win-loss) record.

Baguio, for its part, is eyeing its first win after dropping its first three games.

In the Spikers' Turf Season Two-Open Conference, Air Force (1-1) tangles with Bounty Fresh (0-1) at 1 p.m.