Lady Chiefs seek quarters vs Navs

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U tries to formalize its entry to the quarterfinals as it clashes with winless St. Louis University today (Tuesday) in Group A while National U eyes win No. 3 in Group B against San Sebastian in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Chiefs swept their first three games in the single round elims, including a shock 21-25, 25-16, 17-25, 25-20, 15-13 victory over the reigning UAAP champions Ateneo Lady Eagles last week, to zero in one first berth in the Last 8 phase of the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

Another win in their 2 p.m. duel with the Lady Navigators, who dropped their first two outings, will clinch Arellano U, which finished second behind eventual champion Perpetual Help in the NCAA, the first seat in the quarters.

“We need to continue to play defense especially our blocking and reception for us to keep the streak going,” said Arellano U coach Obet Javier in Pilipino.

Javier is again expected to pin his hopes on Danna Henson, Cristine Rosario and Jovielyn Prado, who have spearheaded the Legarda-based squad’s impressive campaign with their strong plays at the net.

National U, meanwhile, tries to move closer to the next round although it faces an unpredictable San Sebastian in the other match at 4 p.m.

Games can be viewed live on streaming at www.v-league.ph.

The Lady Bulldogs, who won their first two games, will again showcase their vaunted attacking game anchored on the towering sister pair of 6-3 Dindin and 6-6 Jaja Santiago.

But NU mentor Ariel dela Cruz thinks they will need to draw more support from the other players to continue to succeed in the conference, backed by Mikasa, Accel and Lion Tiger Mosquito Coil, they ruled last year.

“Yes, Dindin and Jaja are strong players but this is a team game, we need everyone to play,” said Dela Cruz.

The Lady Stags, who split their first two matches, are still hoping for the return of top player Gretchel Soltones, who sustained an ankle injury in their first game defeat to the Far Eastern U Lady Tams.