PLDT, IEM spikers eye second win

Games today

4 p.m. – RTU vs IEM

6 p.m. – PLDT vs Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Home Telpad and Instituto Estetico Manila, inspired by their opening game victories, set out for win No. 2 in their respective divisions in the Shakey’s V League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Turbo Boosters debuted with a three-set romp over the hard-luck Meralco Power Spikers last Thursday but are bracing for a tough outing against a Cagayan Valley crew raring to rebound from a five-set thriller to the pacesetting Army side (2-0).

Game time is at 6 p.m. in a match expected to be another down-to-the-wire contest that has marked the first week of the season-ending conference sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Four of the first six games went through five sets, including all three in the men’s side launched this conference to complement the highly popular women’s league and at the same time give men’s volley a mainstream appeal.

IEM hopes to come out strong from a weeklong rest as it faces Rizal Technological University in the 4 p.m. opener. The IEM Volley Masters edged the Systema Active Smasters last Sunday while the RTU Blue Thunder are reeling from their loss to the FEU Tams where they swept the first two sets, only to drop the next three including the extended fifth set, 14-16.

Games can be viewed live via streaming on www.v-league.ph, according to the organizing Sports Vision.

PLDT Home Telpad coach Roger Gorayeb rotated just eight players in disposing of Meralco but is expected to dig deep into his bench against Cagayan which barely bowed to Army in a thrilling duel last Tuesday.

PLDT’s power-hitting duo of Sue Roces and Gretchel Soltones, Charo Soriano, Ryzabelle Devanadera, Angela Benting, Laurence Ann Latigay, libero Lizlee Ann Pantone and ace setter Rubie de Leon hope to raise the level of their games as they face the likes of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Ma. Angeli Tabaquero, Janine Marciano, Shiela Pineda and Pau Soriano along with Gyzele Sy, Rosemarie Vargas, Wenneth Eulalio and Relea Saet.

With a short sked among four teams in each division, each match is a must-win, ensuring a no-holds-barred contest in both the men’s and women’s categories. The top two after the double-round elims will duel for the crowns.