UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) and Air Force try to bounce back from their previous setbacks when they take on separate foes on Wednesday in Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Tigresses, who suffered their first loss at the hands of Bureau of Customs on Saturday, 25-17, 26-24, 25-15, try to formally secure the semifinals spot with a win against Laoag in their 6 p.m. match, while the Jet Spikers tackle the hapless Coast Guard at 4 p.m.
Air Force lost second in a row at the expense of BaliPure, 22-25, 19-25, 21-25, on Monday.
The runner-up of the conference, to be bannered by veterans Judy Caballejo, Wendy Semana, Mae Antipuesto, Jocemer Tapic and Joy Cases, try to improve their 1-3 win-loss card against the Lady Dolphins, who are eyeing for their first win after four losses.
UST will be led by by EJ Laure and Carla Sandoval, who are No. 2 and No. 5 in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race, respectively. The Tigresses are now holding a 4-1 win-loss record and just a win away from sealing the first semis spot.
Head Coach KungFu Reyes wants his wards, also led by Cherry Rondina, Ria Meneses, Chloe Cortez, setter Alex Cabanos and skipper Pam Lastimosa, to be more aggressive to complete their failed mission against Customs.
“We have to play with more aggressiveness and intensity if we want to stay on top and be with the best in the league,” Reyes said.
Laoag, on the same note, is also seeking to bounce back from a 20-25, 25-27, 25-11, 20-25 loss to University of the Philippines on Monday.
The Power Smashers shoot to strengthen their chance for a Final Four spot as they try to improve their 2-2 card.
The Nes Pamilar-coached squad leans on Open Conference MVP Grethcel Soltones, Aiko Urdas, Jorelle Singh, Jema Galanza and veteran setter Chie Saet.
“The key is playing with a lot of intensity from start to finish because we lost our last game because we struggled a bit at the start of the game,” Pamilar said.
In Spikers’ Turf, Open Conference titlist Air Force eyes semis spot against Army at 12:30 p.m.