Tigresses, Power Smashers cross paths in V-League

MANILA, Philippines – University Santo Tomas seeks to close in on a semifinal berth while Laoag aims to stay in the race as the two collide Thursday in the Shakey's V-League Season 13-Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Tigresses currently lead the way despite coming off a stinging 17-25, 24-26, 15-25, defeat to Alyssa Valdez and the Custom Transformers Saturday at The Arena in San Juan City that sent them sprawling to their first defeat after four straight wins.

Customs improved to 3-1, which was good for second spot.

The Power Smashers, for their part, fell to the UP Lady Maroons, 20-25, 25-27, 25-11, 20-25, Monday for their second defeat in as many wins and a win over the Tigresses in their 6 p.m. duel will push them inside the magic four.

UST coach Emilio “Kung fu” Reyes talked about lack of aggressiveness after their loss to Customs.

"We have to play with more aggressiveness and intensity if we want to be there with the best of this league," said Reyes.

Laoag mentor Nes Pamilar voiced the same sentiment.

"The key is playing with a lot of intensity from start to finish because we lost our last game because we were not aggressive at the start of the game," said Pamilar.

UST is expected to come in full force as Cherry Rondina will play her second game since leading the school to the UAAP beach volleyball crown as she will team up with EJ Laure, the league's second leading scorer, Chlodia Cortez, Ria Meneses, Carla Sandoval and skipper Pam Lastimosa.

Laoag is expected to draw strength from the power-hitting duo of Gretchel Soltones, the back-to-back NCAA MVP and this year's Open Conference MVP from San Sebastian, and Jorelle Singh, who was part of the National U side that topped this year's Collegiate Conference.

Air Force (1-3) and Coast Guard (0-4), meanwhile, collide at 4 p.m. hoping to fan their flagging semis campaign.