The Philippine Army Lady Troopers sealed a finals duel against PLDT Home Ultera Ultra Fast Hitters, dismantling the Philippine Navy Lady Sailors in their semifinals series in straight sets, 25-16, 25-10, 25-22 in the Shakeys V-League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena, Sunday afternoon.
Jovelyn Gonzaga powered the Lady Troopers in their quick start to the opening set. Florence Madulid and Pau Soriano tried to put Navy back in the set but the Lady Troopers fended off the late comeback of the Lady Sailors.
Once again the Lady Troopers, through Gonzaga, Nerissa Bautista, and Remy Palma, gave Army a 16-6 lead in the following set, with the Lady Sailors still unable to find their offensive groove. Via Madulid in the third set, the Lady Sailors were able to close the gap to 14 all after falling behind 12-7 in the early parts. Madulid scored off the block to put Navy in the driver’s seat, 15-14, but Abigail Marano answered back with a quick hit to tie things at 15. Madulid scored again through the block, and an attack error from Gonzaga gave Navy a slim 17-15 lead. Both teams exchange attacks and errors for an 18-all deadlock. Marano unloaded an ace to jumpstart the Army offense. Afterwards, Palma, Joanne Bunag, and Michelle Carolino joined in foiling Navy’s comeback attempt.
“Medyo maganda ang nilaro nila, na receive namin nang maayos ang bola nila at 80% ng atake naming napapatay namin. Pero, kahit magpalit ng tao dapat hindi pa rin bumaba ang pinapakita namin,” said Army coach Kungfu Reyes on his Army’s performance against the Lady Sailors.
Gonzaga finished with 10 points, all coming from attacks, and also had 11 digs to lead Army, while Bautista and Tubino combined for 15 markers.
Madulid topscored the Lady Sailors with 14 hits while Pau Soriano chipped eight points together with five digs.
The Lady Troopers will face the PLDT Home Ultera Ultra Fast Hitters in the best-of-three finals on November 28 at 3:00 PM. The Lady Sailors and University of the Philippines Lady Maroons will tangle at the battle for bronze at 12:45 PM on the same day at the same venue.
The Scores:
PHI Army (3) – Gonzaga 10, Tubino 8, Bautista 7 Palma 6, Gonzales 6, Salak 5, Bunag 4, Marano 3, Balse 3, Carolino 2, Nunag 0, Torres (L), Agno(L)
PHI Navy (0) – Madulid 14, Soriano 8, Mabbayad 4, Veronas 2, Diaz 2, Acuna 2, Eguia 1, Genido 1, Dela Cruz 0, Martinez 0, Fortuno (L), Ticar (L)
