THE SHAKEY’S V-League Season 12 Open Conference semifinals heats up today as the powerhouse PLDT Home Ultera and defending champion Philippine Army go for repeat victories over Cagayan Valley and Meralco, respectively at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Ultra Fast Hitters pulled off a tough 25-20, 25-22, 26-28, 25-18 victory over the Lady Rising Suns in their first meeting and went on to sweep the single round eliminations of the season-opening conference.
But the star-studded PLDT side, spearheaded by the league’s leading scorer and Asian U-23 stalwarts Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago and Cebuana ace Gretchel Soltones, are expecting a stronger challenge from the Lady Rising Suns this time since every game counts in the single-round Final Four.
Gametime is at 2 p.m. after the 12 noon showdown between Army and Meralco.
The Lady Troopers also carved out a four-setter over the Power Spikers in their elimination faceoff but the latter are riding the crest of back-to-back victories that netted them the last semis slot.
While Meralco is on a roll, Army will still come into the match the slight favorite with coach Rico de Guzman expected to lean on his veterans led by Rachel Ann Daquis, also the league’s top server, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Nerissa Bautista, Mary Jean Balse and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.