Tigresses eye playoff for V-League semis

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten Univ. of Santo Tomas seeks to assure itself of a playoff for a semifinal berth as it clashes with winless Univ. of San Jose-Recoletos even as Adamson tries to bounce back from a setback as it collides with Univ. of St. La Salle-Bacolod in the sixth Shakey’s V-League at The Arena in San Juan today.

After hurdling title contenders Far Eastern U and Adamson, three-time champion UST is tipped to get past the Cebu-based squad in their 4 p.m. showdown as it presses its bid for the first semifinal seat in the league for another crack at the championship.

Adamson, the defending champion in the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision, is also fancied over USLS-Bacolod in the 2 p.m. opener as it goes all out to even its card following a four-set loss to UST late Thursday.

Rissa Jane Laguilles, held to a five-hit output by the tough UST net defense, is expected to re-display her spiking prowess along with reigning MVP Nerissa Bautista, Jill Gustilo, Angela Benting, Paulina Soriano and Joanna Carpio as the Lady Falcons try to get back into the thick of things in the single round phase of the tournament backed by Accel, Mikasa, Cherifer, Mighty Bond and OraCare.

But USLS-Bacolod is also itching to recover from its three-set loss to San Sebastian with guest players Jovelyn Gonzaga and Patty Orendain hoping to fire up the Lady Stingers, including Kay Aplasca, Sheryl Denila, Shane Celis, Loverich Aplasca and Floradele Dolar.

The Tigresses look formidable at this stage with Michelle Carolino combining well with fellow guest player Mary Jean Balse and mainstays Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, Bernice Co, Judy Ann Caballejo, Hanna Mance and skipper Aiza Maizo.

The Adamson-USLS match will be aired on NBN 4 starting at 2 p.m. on Monday while the UST-USJ-R duel will be telecast on Tuesday. For details, log on to www.v-league.ph.

USJ-R coach Grace Antigua hopes to motivate reinforcements Erika Verano and Kennette Garces and the likes of Rachel Singson, Mary Bonita, Maria Praca, Mona Dubduban and Sarah Miculob as they try to arrest a two-game skid and stay in contention in the semis race.