ARMY put away Navy in three sets with its power game, superb blocking and awesome serving, fashioning out a 25-14, 25-17, 25-14 victory to clinch the first semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan City over the weekend.
The Lady Troopers didn’t play any trick on the Lady Sailors on All Saints’ Day eve, but simply showcased its terrific all-around game to dominate their rivals and complete a 66-minute romp that secured their place in the Final Four of the season-ending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.
Honey Royse Tubino and Jovelyn Gonzaga combined for 33 hits, including 23 kills, as the Lady Troopers produced 38 attack points, 14 more than the Lady Sailors. Gonzaga also foiled three of Navy’s attacks as the fancied team came through with eight blocks against their rivals’ one.
Army, runner-up to absentee Cagayan Valley here last year, also pummeled Navy’s token reception and came away with eight aces, while holding their foes without an ace with their solid defense on the other end.
The lopsided win was third straight for Army, lining itself for a possible sweep with victories over struggling Coast Guard on November 8 and against contender University of the Philippines on November 11.
The loss dropped Navy to solo four at 2-2, allowing Coast Guard (1-3) and even winless Kia Forte (0-3) to stay in the semifinals race in the tournament presented by PLDT Home Ultera and backed by Mikasa and Accel.