Ateneo, UST step up V-League finals drive

MANILA, Philippines -  A pair of slambang matches kicks off the Final Four of the ninth Shakey’s V-League Presented by Smart today with fancied University of Santo Tomas colliding with San Sebastian College and titleholder Ateneo squaring off with reigning NCAA champion Perpetual Help at The Arena in San Juan.

Although the Lady Eagles and the Tigresses gained the top billing after finishing 1-2 in the quarters, odds are just about even with the Lady Altas and the Stags out to pull off a pair of reversals in their respective best-of-three series.

UST, seeking a seventh crown upon its return to the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza, and SSC, hoping to end a three-year title drought, clash in the 2 p.m. opener.

The Tigresses, who took a two-year leave following the graduation of key players, hope to repeat over the Lady Stags, whom they swept in the elims of the event backed by Mikasa and Accel.

But SSC is all primed up for the big task despite its scrambling five-set win over Perpetual Help in their duel for the No. 3 spot last week with coach Clint Malazo pinning his hopes on power-hitter Jeng Bualee, Joy Benito, Ara Mallare, Mae Crisostomo and setter Rubie de Leon.

UST mentor Odjie Mamon, however, boasts of a talent-laden crew headed by former MVP Mary Jean Balse, Maika Ortiz, Maruja Banaticla and Judy Caballejo with Rhea Dimaculangan to take charge of the team’s set plays and tall Thai import Utaiwan Kaensing, one of the league’s leading spikers, expected to provide additional firepower and poise.

Focus will also be on the Ateneo-Perpetual Help duel at 4 p.m. with the Lady Eagles staking their impressive unbeaten run from the elims to the quarters on a team built around Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Suzanne Roces, Jam Ferrer and Fille Cainglet and backstopped by Thai ace Phee Nok Kesinee.

But the Lady Altas are unfazed by the defending champions’ form with Thai reinforcement Pornpimol Kunbang expected to pour it all out right in the first set with support from Norie Diaz, April Sartin, Sandra delos Santos, Honey Tubino and setter Shrrya Cabriana.

Meanwhile, the two marquee matches can be viewed live on www.v-league.ph and be aired tomorrow (Monday) on AKTV 13 starting at 7 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision. Winners will dispute the crown in another best-of-three affair.

over Perpetual Help in their duel for the No. 3 spot last week with coach Clint Malazo pinning his hopes on power-hitter Jeng Bualee, Joy Benito, Ara Mallare, Mae Crisostomo and setter Rubie de Leon.

UST mentor Odjie Mamon, however, boasts of a talent-laden crew headed by former MVP Mary Jean Balse, Maika Ortiz, Maruja Banaticla and Judy Caballejo with Rhea Dimaculangan to take charge of the team’s set plays and tall Thai import Utaiwan Kaensing, one of the league’s leading spikers, expected to provide additional firepower and poise.

Focus will also be on the Ateneo-Perpetual Help duel at 4 p.m. with the Lady Eagles staking their impressive unbeaten run from the elims to the quarters on a team built around Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Suzanne Roces, Jam Ferrer and Fille Cainglet and backstopped by Thai ace Phee Nok Kesinee.

But the Lady Altas are unfazed by the defending champions’ form with Thai reinforcement Pornpimol Kunbang expected to pour it all out right in the first set with support from Norie Diaz, April Sartin, Sandra delos Santos, Honey Tubino and setter Shrrya Cabriana.

Meanwhile, the two marquee matches can be viewed live on www.v-league.ph and be aired tomorrow (Monday) on AKTV 13 starting at 7 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision. Winners will dispute the crown in another best-of-three affair.