Army Middle Hitter Mary Jean Blase led all scorers with 13 markers as her and the Lady Troopers dominated the Navy Lady Sailors in three sets, 25-19, 25-12, 25-15, in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at the San Juan Arena.
Having their guest players figure in their fourth game in four days, as they also play in another league, Army started the match with their core military players. Army Setter, Tina Salak, and reserve Utility Hitter, Joane Bunag, both notched seven points in just two sets of action. Former Lady Falcon, Nene Bautista, pitched in five markers. Veteran Open Hitter, Jovelyn Gonzaga, has yet to suit up for Army this season as she is still nursing an ankle injury.
“Ito ‘yung naging pinakapraktis namin. ‘Yung third set para kila Dindin at Rachelle para masanay sila sa mga set ni Tina [Salak], kasi minsan ‘di talaga magkatugma. Kasi galing na ‘rin sila sa laro kahapon, kaya bigyan natin ng priority ‘yung mga military [nageensayo]. Kaya first at second set sila [non-guest players] ‘yung pinalaro ko ‘nung unang dalawang set,” said Army Coach Rico De Guzman. “’Di naman sa pagmamalaki, hindi naman ganoong kalakas ‘yung Navy kaya wag tayong sumabay [sa kanila], kasi ang nangyari naghintay na rin lang tayo ng error natin na pwede namang iwanan natin sila.”
“Ang advice ko lang sa mga guest players ko, sana maka-attend sila ng dalawang practice para makabisado naman nila ‘yung mga play na gagawin namin para sa kanila,” De Guzman answered when asked about their upcoming matchup with the Meralco Power Spikers on April 19. His guest players, Manabat, Aganon, and Daquis have games in the PSL tomorrow and on Thursday. Navy will face Fourbees-Perpetual, to happen on the same day.
The Scores:
Army (3) – Balse 13, Salak 7, Bunag 7, Bautista 6, Carolino 5, Tubino 5, Santiago-Manabat 3, Sabas 3, Daquis 3, Aganon 2, Gonzales 1, Agno (L), Siatan-Torres (L)
Navy (0) – Diaz 9, Mabbayad 7, Acuña 4, Martinez 4, Genido 4, Labiano 4, Acuna 3, Ticar 2, Caraan 1, Oserio 0, Fortuno (L), Velarde (L)
