PLDT eyes semis; Ateneo seeks sweep

Games today 

2 p.m. – PLDT vs Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Home Telpad hopes to pounce on a skidding Cagayan Valley side and nail the second Final Four berth even as Ateneo tries to complete its amazing sweep of the quarters against National U for a playoff for the last semis seat in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Turbo Boosters, in second at 7-3 behind semifinalist Army (8-3), need to win one of their last two quarters games to formalize their entry in the Final Four and avoid the specter of going through a sudden death with the Lady Eagles poised to crash the semis party in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

For one, PLDT will be facing a Cagayan Valley side that has dropped its first three games in the quarters, including a heartbreaking five-setter to the ousted Lady Bulldogs last Tuesday that didn’t only stall their march to the next round but also fan the Lady Eagles’ sagging semifinal bid.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. with PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb hoping to draw the best from Sue Roces and Laurence Latigay, Charo Soriano, Gretchel Soltones, Angela Benting, Ryzabelle Devanadera and ace playmaker Rubie de Leon.

Motivation will be key for Cagayan mentor Nes Pamilar, who will try to convince his wards to put their sorry setbacks behind and focus on the task at hand. Aiza Maizo, Wenneth Eulalio, Pau Soriano, Janine Marciano and Angeli Tabaquero have been dishing out superb games but simply lacked the strong finishing kick.

Focus will also be on the 4 p.m. clash between Ateneo and NU with the Lady Eagles hoping to cap their sizzling quarters run with a fifth straight win that would ensure them of a crack at the last semis slot in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Games can be viewed live on www.v-league.ph. The matches will be shown on a delayed basis on GMA News TV Channel starting at 1 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision.

“We’ll just continue what we have been doing in the quarters. That’s the key to our campaign,” said Ateneo ace hitter and league scoring leader Alyssa Valdez.

The Lady Eagles have bucked the odds since dropping a five-setter to Cagayan Valley to close out their elims campaign at 2-5, sweeping their first four games in the six-team quarters, including two five-setters over Air Force and Army, for a 6-5 card.

Although Cagayan still keeps the No. 4 spot at 6-4, a victory by Ateneo over NU will assure the Lady Eagles of a playoff for the last semis berth.