RAMPAGING Pocari Sweat tries to keep its win run going as it tangles with a resurgent Team Laoag today, Saturday, seeking a third straight victory in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Warriors hurdled their first two matches in contrasting fashions, sweeping the UP Lady Maroons, 25-18, 25-14, 25-22, in last week’s opener of the league where it all started. They then turned back the National U Lady Bulldogs, 34-32, 17-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-11, in a thrilling duel between two of the Shakey’s-sponsored league’s fancied teams last Wednesday.
“We hope to sustain our momentum and win as many games as we can,” said Rommel Abella, taking over the coaching reins for the newcomers vice Thai mentor Tai Bundit.
Starring former La Salle star Michelle Gumabao, Elaine Kasilag, Myla Pablo, Siemens Dadang, Lutgarda Malaluan, setter Gyselle Sy and libero Melissa Gohing, the Lady Warriors set out as the slight favorites against the Power Smashers, who tote a 1-1 card, in the 6:30 p.m. main game in the fourth playdate of the season-opening conference of the league backed by Mikasa and Accel.
Air Force and Baguio collide in the 4 p.m. opener of another explosive twinbill aired live over ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel 23, according to the organizing Sports Vision.
The Jet Spikers, who trounced an Alyssa Valdez-less BaliPure side last Monday, goes for a second straight win against the Summer Spikers, who bowed to Team Iriga last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in the Spikers’ Turf, Cignal and Air Force clash for the solo lead as they square off at 1 p.m.
The HD Spikers outlasted the Bounty Fresh side, 25-18, 23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10, while the Jet Spikers overpowered their Sta. Elena rivals, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21, to force an early three-way tie for the lead with the idle Instituto Estetico Manila side.
The Phoenix Volley Masters grounded Navy, 25-22, 25-22, 27-25, on opening day.
But focus will be on Gumabao, who has dished out a pair of solid games, including a 27-hit performance against the Lady Bulldogs. That effort included 17 attack points and eight blocks.
“She’s our most consistent player thus far and we will continue to rely on her,” said Abella of Gumabao.
Games today
1 p.m. • Air Force vs Cignal
(S Turf)
4 p.m. • Air Force vs Baguio
(V-League)
6:30 p.m. • Laoag vs Pocari
(V-League)