PLDT Home Telpad, Meralco eye 3rd in Shakey’s V-L

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Home Telpad guns for a repeat over Meralco today in women’s play even as Far Eastern U and Rizal Technological University begin their own series for third in the men’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11-Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Turbo Boosters swept the Power Spikers in their two face-offs in the elims, scoring a three-set romp, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19, last Oct. 9 before recovering in time to hack out a tough 25-20, 25-14, 22-25, 16-25, 17-15 win last Oct. 21.

But Meralco is raring to get back at PLDT Home Telpad with reinforcements Kotruang Wanida of Thailand and Misao Tanyama of Japan expected to go in full throttle to give the Power Spikers a big headstart in their side of the best-of-three series for third place in the season-ending conference sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. with the FEU-RTU duel while PLDT Home Telpad and Meralco is set at 4 p.m. Both games can be viewed live via streaming on www.v-league.ph, according to the organizing Sports Vision.

Providing backup to Tanyama, an ace setter, and the power-hitting Wanida are former La Salle stalwarts Abby Marano, Stephanie Mercado and Maureen Penetrante-Ouano with Maika Morada and liberro Jennylyn Reyes.

But an all-Filipino PLDT Home Telpad side is out to reassert its mastery over Meralco with Gretchel Soltones tipped to lead the team’s charger after unleashing a 28-hit effort last Oct. 21. Also fancied to provide firepower are Laurence Ann Latigay, Angela Benting, Charo Soriano, Maruja Banaticla and Ryzabelle Devanadera and Rubie de Leon.

Like PLDT, FEU also won twice over RTU this conference, both through five-setters with another close contest seen in their own series for third in the men’s side of the league where it all started.

FEU coach Florentino Santos hopes to draw solid games again from Joshua Barrica, Greg Dolor, Joel Cayaban, Jeric Gacutan and Lucky Margante as they try to extend their domination over the RTU side to be bannered by Alnasip Laja, Abdul Jaidal, Sabtal Abdul, Pathie Jamiri, Sahud Masahud and John Patalunan.

Cagayan Valley and Systema Tooth and Gum Care carved a pair of thrilling victories over Army and Instituto Estetico Manila, respectively, to wrest 1-0 leads in separate finals last Sunday. The Rising Suns, who banked on Thai imports Hyapha Amporn and Patcharee Saengmuang’s solid games, shoot for the women’s crown while the Active Smashers seek the first-ever men’s crown in the Shakey’s V-League, both on Sunday.