Adamson, SSC-Excelroof Dispute V-League crown

MANILA, Philippines — Expect an all-out war when San Sebastian-Excelroof and Adamson clash in no-tomorrow Game 3 for the 7th Shakey's V-League second conference crown this Thursday at The Arena in San Juan.

Game time is 4 p.m. with neither team holding significant advantage, although momentum is clearly with the SSC-Excelroof lasses after taking Game 2 of their best-of-three affair that forced this Thursday's rubber match.

Their four-set win on Sunday enabled the SSC-Excelroof belles to shatter the seeming invincibility of the Lady Falcons, who have beaten them three times this conference, including the five-set win in the series opener.

SSC coach Roger Gorayeb credited the latest victory, fashioned out before some 2,500-strong fans, to their tactical adjustments in rotation.

They also found an antidote on Adamson's center attack presided by Paulina Soriano - the culprit behind their elims and quarterfinals defeats.

"But this win will mean nothing if we don't win the championship," Gorayeb said after winning Game 2.

Adamson coach Dulce Pante vowed a comeback like no other.

"We'll not dwell on the loss, and will make the necessary adjustments," Dulce, 66, said.

Both teams are looking for only their second title since joining the league in 2004.

Adamson won its first title at the expense of Ateneo during the 2008 first conference while San Sebastian captured its maiden title the following conference with a victory over the University of Santo Tomas, the team with the most number of titles with six in seven years.

The SSC-Excelroof lasses are expected to pin their hopes again on the power-hitting Thai import Jeng Bualee, the conference’s best scorer, and fellow guest player Suzanne Roces, who bagged the coveted MVP plum in the season-ending conference backed by Mikasa, Accel and Excelroof and sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

But the Lady Falcons, the conference’s top defensive team, will be ready to neutralize the Stags’ firepower – on the net and on the floor – on a team that boasts of the conference’s best blocker (Pau Soriano), best digger (libero Angelica Vasquez) and best receiver (Angela Benting).

Adamson’s offense will be provided by guest players Nerissa Bautista, a former MVP, and Michelle Laborte with help from Sheena Martin, Sheila Pineda and Lourdes Patilano.

Francis Santiago, Manila Bulletin