PLDT, Army prevail, dispute V-League title

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Home Ultera routed a hapless University of the Philippines, 25-11, 25-17, 25-17, despite resting its American imports yesterday to advance to the finals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Army primed up for its keenly awaited title duel with Home Ultera as it whipped Navy, 25-15, 25-10, 25-22, in the other semis clash to seal a keenly awaited showdown with their Open Conference finals tormentor.

The Lady Troopers and the Ultra Fast Hitters begin their best-of-three title playoff on Saturday.

Jovelyn Gonzaga scored 10 hits while Honey Royse Tubino, Nerissa Bautista, Mary Palma, Sarah Gonzales and setter Tina Salak combined for 30 points for the twice-to-beat Lady Troopers, who struggled a bit in the third but pulled through just the same to complete their 68-minute victory.

Army also pounced on Navy’s poor reception, scoring 10 aces that anchored their one-sided win.

Earlier, Aiza Pontillas led all hitters with 13 hits, including 12 attack points, while team captain Sue Roces chipped in 11 markers as the second seeded Ultra Fast Hitters made full use of their twice-to-beat edge to line themselves up for another shot at the crown after ruling the Open Conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s early this year.

The win also kept Roger Gorayeb’s bid for a rare coaching slam alive after winning the Open Conference title for PLDT and the Collegiate diadem for National U.

Without undermining their rivals’ skills and talent, Gorayeb intentionally sat out Victoria Hurtt and Serea Freeman, both former US NCAA Division I standouts, to familiarize themselves with the local brand of play.