MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force collide in a crucial match Sunday as they press their semis bids in the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference quarters at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Sailors (1-3) and the Airwomen (1-2) tangle at 4 p.m. before the Maynilad Water Dragons (0-3) fight for dear lives against early semifinalists Philippine Army Lady Troopers (4-0) at 2 p.m.
Navy faces a must-win situation against Air Force to stay in the semis hunt after dropping its last two games – the last against Ateneo, 13-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, last Thursday.
Air Force, on the other hand, is determined to avenge its 25-18, 25-23, 25-21 prelims loss last Aug. 11 against the same squad while also seeking for its second straight win.
Playing coach Nene Ybanez leads the Lady Sailors and will be backstopped by power-hitting Nene Bautista and Suzanne Roces, who combined for 42 points in their last match.
Air Force will be bannered by Aiza Maizo and Jennifer Manzano with Iris Patrona and Amy Guanco expected to provide additional firepower.
With a 0-3 record, Maynilad needs to sweep its last two assignments and hope that Ateneo (2-2), Air Force and Navy won’t go over two wins to force a playoff for the last semis seat.
But the Water Dragons will have to thread through the eye of the needle against the Lady Troopers, who are looking for a sweep of the single-round robin phase after winning their first four matches.
