The Army Lady Troopers breezed through the Navy Lady Sailors 25-14, 25-17, 25-14 to enter the short holiday break with their undefeated record intact in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Army outclassed their sea-born counterparts in every skill, powering in 38 attacks to Navy’s 24, nabbing eight blocks to Navy’s one, and demolishing the Navy back line with eight unanswered aces.
With their starting six putting in work in the opening set, Army head coach Kungfu Reyes confidently shuffled his lineup throughout the match and his veteran squad did not disappoint. Reyes started backup setter, Sarah Gonzales in place of National Team mainstay, Tina Salak. Gonzales made the most of her extended playing time with 21 excellent sets: an impressive figure in a straight set match. UPHS-D standout, Royse Tubino sizzled for 18 points on a 13 for 23 attacking clip and four aces. Ilongga Jovelyn Gonzaga chipped in 15 markers while first-year civilian recruit, Aby Maraño added eight markers.
“Sobrang ganda ng first ball namin kanina, tuwing ganoon ang reception namin, madaling mag-execute nang opensa namin,” Reyes said adding that he was pleased with how his backup setter, Gonzales played but he wanted her to have savored her playing time more. “Sabi ko sa kanya, moment mo yan, I-celebrate mo. Magaling naman talaga siya. Siguro kailangan na lang ma-impro ‘yung leadership niya.”
Former Adamson Lady Falcon, Pau Soriano led the Lady Sailors with nine points, while former Thomasian Lilet Mabbayad contributed five markers.
The Lady Troopers (3-0) will take on the Coast Guard Lady Dolphins (1-2) next at the San Juan Arena on November 8 at 12:45 p.m. Navy (2-2) ends their elimination round against the PLDT Home Ultera Ultra Fast Hitters (2-1) on November 7 also at the San Juan Arena at 12:45 p.m.
The Scores
Army (3) РTubino 18, Gonzaga 15, Mara̱o 8, Bunag 6, Gonzales 3, Bautista 3, Carolino 1, Sabas 0, Salak 0, Nunag 0, Siatan-Torres (L), Agno (L)
Navy (0) – Soriano 9, Mabbayad 5, Madulid 3, Veronas 3, Acuna 2, Eguia 1, Genido 1, Martinez 1, Serafica 0, Desengano 0, Dela Cruz 0, Fortuno (L), Ticar (L)
