Army downs PCSO, gains Super Liga semis

MANILA, Philippines - TMS-Philippine Army overwhelmed PCSO-Bingo Milyonaryo with its power game and came away with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-11 romp last night to clinch the first semis berth in the Philippine Super Liga women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena.

The Lady Troopers used superb set plays and quick assaults to frustrate the Puffins and complete the straight-set victory for their fourth straight after dropping their opening-day game to Cagayan Valley Rising Suns and a seat in the Final Four.

Although ace spikers Michelle Carolino and Mary Jean Balse struggled majority of the way, Jacquelin Alarca and Joanne Bunag stepped up to fire 11 and 10 hits, respectively.

“We caught them on bad night. And the girls took advantage of it,” said Army coach Rico de Guzman.

The Puffins dropped to 1-4 together with the PLDT-MyDSL. They, however, have to wait for the outcome of the final match between Cagayan Valley and Petron to determine their placing in the playoffs.

Earlier, Honey Rose Tubino scored 21 hits to power Cignal to a 21-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-22 win over PLDT-MyDSL and close out its campaign in the single round elims with a 3-2 win-loss card for third.

The Speed Boosters fell in a tie with the Puffins.